plate no. 0708

The Convict

oilRomanticismgenre paintingfiguresinteriorstone wallclothingjarkeys

some experience helpful

Recreating this painting will help students develop skills in rendering realistic figures and clothing, as well as creating depth and atmosphere through careful value and color control. Students will also learn to depict different textures, such as stone, fabric, and skin.

technical profile

palette complexity

brushwork visibility

value contrast

compositional simplicity

study guide

est. 20 hrs

approach — 8 steps

step 01
Create a preliminary sketch to establish the composition and proportions of the figures and objects.
step 02
Block in the main shapes and colors using thin washes of paint.
step 03
Develop the values and details of the stone wall and background.
step 04
Begin to build up the forms of the figures, paying attention to light and shadow.
step 05
Refine the details of the clothing, faces, and hands.
step 06
Add the smaller objects and details, such as the jar, keys, and bread.
step 07
Glaze over areas to unify the colors and create a sense of atmosphere.
step 08
Add final highlights and details to complete the painting.

color palette

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

secondary · cadmium red · ultramarine blue · yellow ochre

Achieve the skin tones by mixing raw sienna, burnt umber, cadmium red, and titanium white. Darken colors with ivory black and lighten with titanium white. Use ultramarine blue and burnt umber to create neutral grays for shadows.

techniques