plate no. 8147
The Covenanters' Preaching
George Harvey, 1830
experienced study
Recreating this painting will help students develop skills in depicting figures in varying light and shadow, and creating atmospheric perspective in a landscape. Students will also learn to suggest detail rather than render every element precisely.
technical profile
palette complexity
3
brushwork visibility
4
value contrast
4
compositional simplicity
2
study guide
est. 20 hrsapproach — 8 steps
- step 01
Sketch the basic composition, focusing on the placement of the main figure and the overall landscape.
- step 02
Establish the dark background tones using a thin wash of burnt umber and black.
- step 03
Block in the main light areas on the figures, using a mix of white, yellow ochre, and a touch of burnt sienna.
- step 04
Gradually build up the details of the figures, paying attention to the light and shadow.
- step 05
Add the landscape details, focusing on creating depth through atmospheric perspective.
- step 06
Refine the details of the main figure, adding highlights and shadows to create a sense of volume.
- step 07
Add final details such as the faces and clothing textures.
- step 08
Glaze with thin layers of color to unify the painting and enhance the atmosphere.
color palette
primary · burnt umber · yellow ochre · titanium white
secondary · ivory black · raw sienna · cadmium yellow
Achieve the muted tones by mixing the primary colors with black and white. Use thin glazes of color to create depth and atmosphere.
techniques
- ·glazing
- ·scumbling
- ·chiaroscuro
- ·atmospheric perspective
- ·dry brushing
common pitfalls
- →Overworking the details and losing the overall atmosphere.
- →Using too much bright color and not enough muted tones.
- →Failing to create a strong sense of light and shadow.
- →Not establishing a clear focal point.
materials
surface · stretched canvas
required
- ·stretched canvas
- ·burnt umber oil paint
- ·yellow ochre oil paint
- ·titanium white oil paint
- ·ivory black oil paint
- ·round brushes (various sizes)
- ·linseed oil
- ·palette
optional
- ·palette knife
- ·medium gloss
- ·easel
Use high-quality oil paints for best results. Thin the paints with linseed oil for glazing.
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