plate no. 4745
The Chinese Statuette
Dorrit Black, 1929
study guide
est. 8 hrsapproach — 8 steps
- step 01
Sketch the basic shapes and composition, paying attention to the placement of the objects.
- step 02
Block in the main color areas for each object and the background.
- step 03
Begin to refine the shapes and add darker and lighter values to create form.
- step 04
Mix subtle color variations to create depth and dimension.
- step 05
Pay attention to the edges of the objects and soften or sharpen them as needed.
- step 06
Add highlights and shadows to enhance the three-dimensionality of the objects.
- step 07
Refine the details and make any necessary adjustments to the composition.
- step 08
Add final touches and highlights.
color palette
primary · burnt umber · raw sienna · titanium white
secondary · cadmium red · olive green · yellow ochre
Mix burnt umber and white for the pitcher, adding small amounts of raw sienna for warmth. Use cadmium red mixed with a touch of burnt umber for the apple. Mix olive green and yellow ochre for the background.
techniques
- ·blocking in
- ·tonal gradation
- ·color mixing
- ·soft blending
- ·geometric simplification
common pitfalls
- →Overworking the details and losing the simplified forms.
- →Using colors straight from the tube without mixing.
- →Ignoring the subtle tonal variations.
- →Not paying attention to the edges of the objects.
materials
surface · stretched canvas
required
- ·stretched canvas
- ·burnt umber oil paint
- ·raw sienna oil paint
- ·titanium white oil paint
- ·cadmium red oil paint
- ·olive green oil paint
- ·yellow ochre oil paint
- ·assorted brushes (flat and round)
optional
- ·palette knife
- ·linseed oil
- ·turpentine
Use a limited palette to encourage color mixing and harmony. Consider using a medium to thin the paint and improve flow.
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