plate no. 4745
The Chinese Statuette
Dorrit Black, 1929
some experience helpful
Recreating this painting will help students understand simplified forms and practice color mixing to achieve subtle tonal variations. It also provides practice in observing and representing light and shadow on simple objects.
technical profile
palette complexity
3
brushwork visibility
3
value contrast
3
compositional simplicity
4
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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