plate no. 2390
The charlatan
experienced study
Recreating this painting will help students develop skills in depicting figures in a crowd and creating atmospheric perspective with color and value. It will also improve their understanding of historical costume and architecture.
technical profile
palette complexity
4
brushwork visibility
3
value contrast
3
compositional simplicity
2
study guide
est. 20 hrsapproach — 8 steps
- step 01
Lightly sketch the main compositional elements: the building, the stage, and the general placement of the figures.
- step 02
Block in the sky with a light blue wash, adding subtle variations in tone to suggest clouds.
- step 03
Establish the basic colors of the building and the stage, focusing on capturing the overall tonal values.
- step 04
Begin painting the figures, starting with the larger shapes and gradually adding details.
- step 05
Pay close attention to the colors and values of the figures' clothing, using subtle variations to create depth and dimension.
- step 06
Add details to the faces and hands of the figures, focusing on capturing their expressions and gestures.
- step 07
Paint the banner and the objects on the stage, paying attention to their textures and colors.
- step 08
Refine the details and add any final touches to complete the painting.
color palette
primary · ultramarine blue · burnt umber · yellow ochre · titanium white
secondary · cadmium red · viridian green · raw sienna
Achieve the muted tones by mixing complementary colors and adding white. Use thin washes of color to build up layers and create depth.
techniques
- ·underpainting
- ·glazing
- ·scumbling
- ·dry brushing
- ·atmospheric perspective
common pitfalls
- →Overworking the details too early in the process.
- →Failing to establish a clear focal point.
- →Using colors that are too bright or saturated.
- →Ignoring the importance of tonal values.
materials
surface · stretched canvas
required
- ·stretched canvas
- ·acrylic gesso
- ·ultramarine blue acrylic paint
- ·burnt umber acrylic paint
- ·yellow ochre acrylic paint
- ·titanium white acrylic paint
- ·round brushes (various sizes)
- ·flat brushes (various sizes)
optional
- ·palette knife
- ·retarder medium
- ·varnish
Use a high-quality canvas and acrylic paints for best results. Consider using a retarder medium to slow down the drying time of the acrylics.
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