plate no. 2054
The egg seller
some experience helpful
Recreating this painting will help students develop skills in portraiture, figure drawing, and rendering textures of clothing and objects. It also offers practice in creating a sense of depth and atmosphere through subtle color variations.
technical profile
palette complexity
4
brushwork visibility
4
value contrast
3
compositional simplicity
3
study guide
est. 20 hrsapproach — 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 of the background, focusing on the overall tonal values.
- step 03
Begin to define the figures, starting with the egg seller, paying attention to the light and shadow on her face and clothing.
- step 04
Develop the details of the basket and the eggs, using small brushstrokes to create texture.
- step 05
Paint the figure in the background, focusing on capturing his pose and expression.
- step 06
Add details to the books and other objects in the background, creating a sense of depth and atmosphere.
- step 07
Refine the details of the figures and objects, paying attention to the edges and transitions between colors.
- step 08
Add final highlights and shadows to create a sense of realism.
color palette
primary · raw umber · burnt sienna · Prussian blue · titanium white
secondary · cadmium red · yellow ochre · ivory black
Achieve the muted tones by mixing earth tones with white and small amounts of blue or red. Use glazes to create depth and luminosity.
techniques
- ·underpainting
- ·glazing
- ·scumbling
- ·dry brushing
- ·chiaroscuro
common pitfalls
- →Overworking the details too early in the process.
- →Failing to establish a strong sense of light and shadow.
- →Using colors that are too saturated.
- →Ignoring the importance of edges and transitions.
materials
surface · stretched canvas
required
- ·stretched canvas
- ·oil paints
- ·palette
- ·palette knife
- ·assorted brushes (round and flat)
- ·linseed oil
- ·turpentine
- ·rags
optional
- ·medium gloss
- ·retouch varnish
- ·easel
Use a medium-grain canvas for best results. Consider using a toned canvas to speed up the underpainting process.
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