plate no. 8999
the Grey Room
Frank W. Benson, 1913
some experience helpful
Recreating this painting will help students understand the use of a limited palette to create a harmonious and atmospheric effect, as well as practice rendering soft light and shadow.
technical profile
palette complexity
3
brushwork visibility
4
value contrast
4
compositional simplicity
3
study guide
est. 15 hrsapproach — 8 steps
- step 01
Sketch the basic composition, focusing on the placement of the figure and key objects.
- step 02
Establish the overall value structure with a thin wash of burnt umber.
- step 03
Block in the main areas of color, starting with the darkest tones.
- step 04
Develop the light source around the lamp, paying attention to the fall of light on the figure and surrounding objects.
- step 05
Refine the details of the figure's face and dress, using subtle variations in color and value.
- step 06
Add the details of the flowers and other objects, keeping them soft and indistinct.
- step 07
Adjust the overall color harmony and value contrast to create a sense of atmosphere.
- step 08
Add final highlights and shadows to enhance the sense of depth and realism.
color palette
primary · ivory black · raw umber · yellow ochre · titanium white
secondary · burnt sienna · cadmium yellow
Achieve the muted tones by mixing the primary colors with white and small amounts of burnt sienna. Use yellow ochre to create the warm glow of the lamp.
techniques
- ·underpainting
- ·glazing
- ·scumbling
- ·soft blending
- ·chiaroscuro
common pitfalls
- →Overworking the details and losing the overall sense of atmosphere.
- →Creating too much contrast and making the painting look harsh.
- →Failing to capture the subtle variations in color and value.
- →Not establishing a strong light source.
materials
surface · stretched canvas
required
- ·stretched canvas
- ·raw umber oil paint
- ·ivory black oil paint
- ·yellow ochre oil paint
- ·titanium white oil paint
- ·burnt sienna oil paint
- ·#4 round brush
- ·#8 flat brush
optional
- ·palette knife
- ·linseed oil
- ·odorless mineral spirits
- ·medium gloss
Use a medium-grain canvas for best results. Consider using a toned canvas to speed up the underpainting process.
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