plate no. 6002
The Fair
Laura Knight, 1919
some experience helpful
This painting offers practice in capturing atmospheric perspective and rendering figures in a loose, impressionistic style. Students can learn to simplify details and focus on capturing the overall mood and light.
technical profile
palette complexity
3
brushwork visibility
4
value contrast
3
compositional simplicity
2
study guide
est. 8 hrsapproach — 8 steps
- step 01
Sketch the basic composition, focusing on the placement of the tents, figures, and horizon line.
- step 02
Block in the sky with light blues and whites, paying attention to the cloud formations.
- step 03
Establish the ground plane with a base of warm brown and ochre tones.
- step 04
Roughly paint in the tents, using simplified shapes and colors.
- step 05
Add the figures, focusing on capturing their gestures and poses rather than precise details.
- step 06
Refine the lighting and shadows to create depth and dimension.
- step 07
Add details like the sign and any other small elements that add interest.
- step 08
Review and adjust the overall composition and color balance.
color palette
primary · ultramarine blue · titanium white · burnt umber · yellow ochre
secondary · cadmium red · ivory black
Mix various shades of blue and white for the sky. Use burnt umber and yellow ochre for the ground, and add small amounts of red and black to create the various colors for the figures and tents.
techniques
- ·broken color
- ·scumbling
- ·atmospheric perspective
- ·alla prima
- ·implied detail
common pitfalls
- →Overworking the details
- →Creating muddy colors
- →Ignoring the overall composition
- →Failing to establish a clear light source
materials
surface · stretched canvas
required
- ·stretched canvas
- ·assorted brushes (round and flat)
- ·palette
- ·linseed oil
- ·ultramarine blue oil paint
- ·titanium white oil paint
- ·burnt umber oil paint
- ·yellow ochre oil paint
optional
- ·palette knife
- ·painting medium
- ·varnish
Use a medium-sized canvas to allow for sufficient detail without being overwhelming. Consider using a toned canvas to help establish the overall color harmony.
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