plate no. 0838
The family
Léon Augustin Lhermitte, 1908
experienced study
Recreating this painting will help students develop skills in rendering figures in a realistic style and creating depth through atmospheric perspective and value changes. It also provides practice in capturing textures using visible brushstrokes.
technical profile
palette complexity
4
brushwork visibility
4
value contrast
4
compositional simplicity
3
study guide
est. 20 hrsapproach — 8 steps
- step 01
Begin with a light sketch to establish the composition and placement of figures and objects.
- step 02
Block in the main shapes and values using thinned paint.
- step 03
Establish the background landscape, focusing on atmospheric perspective.
- step 04
Develop the figures, paying attention to proportions and anatomical accuracy.
- step 05
Add details to the clothing and faces, refining the forms.
- step 06
Create texture in the foreground using dry brush techniques.
- step 07
Refine the lighting and shadows to create depth and dimension.
- step 08
Add final highlights and details to complete the painting.
color palette
primary · burnt umber · yellow ochre · titanium white · raw sienna
secondary · ultramarine blue · cadmium red · ivory black
Achieve the earthy tones by mixing burnt umber, yellow ochre, and white. Use small amounts of blue and red to create subtle variations in shadows and skin tones.
techniques
- ·underpainting
- ·glazing
- ·dry brushing
- ·scumbling
- ·atmospheric perspective
common pitfalls
- →Overworking the details too early in the process.
- →Failing to establish a strong value structure.
- →Ignoring the principles of atmospheric perspective.
- →Creating muddy colors by overmixing.
materials
surface · stretched canvas
required
- ·stretched canvas 18x24
- ·oil paints (burnt umber, yellow ochre, titanium white, raw sienna, ultramarine blue, cadmium red, ivory black)
- ·linseed oil
- ·turpentine or odorless mineral spirits
- ·palette
- ·assorted brushes (round, flat, filbert)
- ·palette knife
- ·rags
optional
- ·painting medium (e.g. Liquin)
- ·varnish
- ·easel
Use a medium-tooth canvas for better texture. Consider using a toned canvas to speed up the underpainting process.
tips & new artworks in your inbox
no spam — unsubscribe anytime.
or to save artworks, chat, and track progress
in this vein
