plate no. 2978
The Days
Thomas Dewing, 1886
some experience helpful
Recreating this painting will help students develop skills in rendering drapery, creating atmospheric perspective, and mixing subtle color variations to achieve a harmonious palette.
technical profile
palette complexity
4
brushwork visibility
3
value contrast
3
compositional simplicity
3
study guide
est. 15 hrsapproach — 8 steps
- step 01
Sketch the basic composition, focusing on the placement and proportions of the figures.
- step 02
Establish the background by loosely painting the trees and foliage with varying shades of green and brown.
- step 03
Block in the figures with simplified shapes and colors, paying attention to the folds and shadows in their robes.
- step 04
Begin layering colors to define the drapery, using lighter tones for highlights and darker tones for shadows.
- step 05
Add details to the faces and hands, focusing on accurate proportions and subtle expressions.
- step 06
Paint the harp and other accessories, paying attention to their texture and form.
- step 07
Add the flowers in the foreground, using small brushstrokes to create a sense of depth and detail.
- step 08
Refine the overall composition by adjusting values and colors as needed.
color palette
primary · pale green · brown · cream · white
secondary · light blue · yellow ochre · rose
Achieve the subtle greens by mixing yellow ochre, white, and a touch of blue. Use thin washes of color to build up the layers and create depth.
techniques
- ·glazing
- ·scumbling
- ·color blending
- ·rendering drapery
- ·atmospheric perspective
common pitfalls
- →Overworking the details too early in the process.
- →Failing to establish a clear value structure.
- →Using colors that are too saturated.
- →Ignoring the importance of atmospheric perspective.
materials
surface · stretched canvas
required
- ·stretched canvas
- ·oil paints (pale green, brown, cream, white, yellow ochre, light blue, rose)
- ·linseed oil
- ·turpentine
- ·assorted brushes (round and flat)
- ·palette
- ·palette knife
- ·rags
optional
- ·medium gloss
- ·retouch varnish
- ·easel
Use high-quality oil paints for best results. Consider using a toned canvas to create a more unified color scheme.
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