plate no. 9808

The emptied cup

oil, mahogany panelAcademicismgenre paintingfigurechildcupclothingbackgroundfloor

some experience helpful

Recreating this painting will help students develop skills in portraiture, particularly capturing facial expressions and rendering realistic skin tones, as well as understanding light and shadow to create depth and form.

technical profile

palette complexity

brushwork visibility

value contrast

compositional simplicity

study guide

est. 15 hrs

approach — 8 steps

step 01
Sketch the basic shapes and proportions of the figure and background, paying attention to the overall composition.
step 02
Establish the main areas of light and shadow with a thin wash of burnt umber or a similar earth tone.
step 03
Begin blocking in the local colors of the background, clothing, and skin, focusing on the overall value relationships.
step 04
Refine the skin tones, using subtle color variations to create a sense of realism and depth.
step 05
Add details to the clothing, such as the lace collar and the folds in the skirt, paying attention to how light interacts with the fabric.
step 06
Paint the metal cup, using highlights and shadows to create a sense of form and reflectivity.
step 07
Refine the facial features, capturing the child's expression with careful attention to detail.
step 08
Add final details and highlights to complete the painting, making sure to maintain a sense of unity and harmony.

color palette

primary · burnt umber · raw sienna · titanium white · cadmium red light

secondary · ivory black · yellow ochre · ultramarine blue

Mix various shades of brown and gray for the background and clothing. Use small amounts of red and yellow to create realistic skin tones.

techniques

·underpainting
·glazing
·scumbling
·blending
·chiaroscuro

common pitfalls

→Overworking the skin tones and creating a muddy or unnatural appearance.
→Failing to establish a strong sense of light and shadow, resulting in a flat or lifeless painting.
→Getting lost in the details and losing sight of the overall composition.
→Inaccurate proportions of the figure.