plate no. 3211
The Guard
some experience helpful
Recreating this painting will help students develop skills in rendering figures in complex clothing and interiors, as well as understanding light and shadow to create depth and form.
technical profile
palette complexity
4
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 figures and major elements.
- step 02
Establish the background with broad, loose strokes, focusing on the overall color scheme.
- step 03
Block in the main figure, paying attention to proportions and pose.
- step 04
Start adding details to the clothing and accessories, using smaller brushes.
- step 05
Refine the background details, such as the carpets and other figures.
- step 06
Add highlights and shadows to create depth and dimension.
- step 07
Pay close attention to the facial features and expression of the main figure.
- step 08
Add final details and adjustments to complete the painting.
color palette
primary · burnt umber · yellow ochre · cadmium red · ivory black
secondary · titanium white · ultramarine blue · raw sienna
Use burnt umber and ivory black to create dark shadows. Mix yellow ochre and cadmium red for the warmer tones in the clothing and carpets. Use titanium white to lighten colors and create highlights.
techniques
- ·scumbling
- ·glazing
- ·chiaroscuro
- ·dry brushing
- ·layering
common pitfalls
- →Overworking the details too early.
- →Not establishing a strong value structure.
- →Getting the proportions of the figures wrong.
- →Ignoring the importance of atmospheric perspective.
- →Using colors straight from the tube without mixing.
materials
surface · stretched canvas
required
- ·stretched canvas 18x24
- ·#2 round brush
- ·#6 flat brush
- ·#10 filbert brush
- ·burnt umber oil paint
- ·yellow ochre oil paint
- ·cadmium red oil paint
- ·ivory black oil paint
optional
- ·palette knife
- ·linseed oil
- ·turpentine
- ·medium gloss
Use high-quality oil paints for best results. A medium can be used to thin the paints and speed up drying time.
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