plate no. 8278
The Family Meal
Le Nain brothers, 1642
some experience helpful
Recreating this painting will help students develop skills in rendering realistic figures and drapery, as well as understanding how to create depth and atmosphere through value and color.
technical profile
palette complexity
3
brushwork visibility
3
value contrast
4
compositional simplicity
2
study guide
est. 20 hrsapproach — 8 steps
- step 01
Begin with a light sketch outlining the main figures and objects.
- step 02
Establish the dark background and the overall tonal range.
- step 03
Block in the main colors of the figures and clothing, focusing on accurate proportions.
- step 04
Develop the light and shadow on the faces and hands, paying attention to the subtle gradations.
- step 05
Add details to the clothing and objects, such as folds, textures, and patterns.
- step 06
Refine the background and foreground, adding details to create depth.
- step 07
Pay special attention to the expressions and gestures of the figures.
- step 08
Add final highlights and details to complete the painting.
color palette
primary · burnt umber · raw sienna · ivory black · titanium white
secondary · yellow ochre · cadmium red light · ultramarine blue
Achieve the muted tones by mixing earth tones with white and small amounts of other colors. Use glazes of burnt umber and raw sienna to create depth and shadows.
techniques
- ·glazing
- ·scumbling
- ·chiaroscuro
- ·portraiture
- ·drapery study
common pitfalls
- →Getting the proportions of the figures wrong.
- →Failing to create a sense of depth and atmosphere.
- →Overworking the details and losing the overall tonal harmony.
- →Not paying enough attention to the expressions and gestures of the figures.
materials
surface · stretched canvas
required
- ·stretched canvas
- ·oil paints
- ·palette
- ·palette knife
- ·linseed oil
- ·turpentine
- ·assorted brushes
- ·rags
optional
- ·medium gloss
- ·retouch varnish
- ·easel
Use a canvas with a smooth texture to facilitate blending and glazing. Consider using a toned ground to establish the overall tonal range.
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