plate no. 1462

The Clerks

Alberto Sughi, 1956

oilContemporary Realismgenre paintingfiguresinteriordesksofficesuits

some experience helpful

Recreating this painting will help students develop skills in depicting figures in a muted palette and creating atmospheric perspective through value and color variations. It also encourages simplification of forms and expressive brushwork.

technical profile

palette complexity

brushwork visibility

value contrast

compositional simplicity

study guide

est. 12 hrs

approach — 8 steps

step 01
Lightly sketch the basic composition, focusing on the placement of figures and desks.
step 02
Establish the overall value structure with a thin wash of burnt umber or a similar neutral tone.
step 03
Block in the main areas of color, using a limited palette of greens, browns, and grays.
step 04
Develop the figures, paying attention to the subtle shifts in value and color to create form.
step 05
Add details to the desks and background, keeping the brushwork loose and expressive.
step 06
Refine the highlights and shadows to create depth and dimension.
step 07
Adjust the overall color harmony and value contrast to achieve the desired mood.
step 08
Add final details and highlights to the figures and desks.

color palette

primary · burnt umber · raw umber · titanium white · ivory black

secondary · yellow ochre · sap green · payne's gray

Mix various shades of gray by combining black and white with small amounts of umber or ochre. Use thin washes of color to create depth and atmosphere.

techniques