plate no. 0047
The Hour of Prayer
Joseph Farquharson, 1868
experienced study
This painting helps students develop skills in rendering complex architectural details and depicting figures in a believable spatial environment. It also provides practice in creating atmospheric perspective and managing a warm, muted color palette.
technical profile
palette complexity
4
brushwork visibility
3
value contrast
4
compositional simplicity
3
study guide
est. 20 hrsapproach — 8 steps
- step 01
Begin with a light sketch outlining the main architectural shapes and the placement of the figures.
- step 02
Establish the overall value structure by blocking in the dark and light areas with thinned paint.
- step 03
Develop the background architecture, paying attention to perspective and detail.
- step 04
Start adding details to the dome structure, focusing on the play of light and shadow.
- step 05
Begin painting the figures, starting with the larger shapes and gradually adding details.
- step 06
Work on the floor tiles, using a combination of thin washes and dry brush techniques to create texture.
- step 07
Refine the details and adjust the values to create a sense of depth and atmosphere.
- step 08
Add final highlights and shadows to enhance the realism of the painting.
color palette
primary · burnt umber · yellow ochre · titanium white
secondary · raw sienna · cadmium red light · ivory black
Achieve the warm, muted tones by mixing burnt umber and yellow ochre with varying amounts of white. Use small amounts of red and black to adjust the warmth and coolness of the colors.
techniques
- ·atmospheric perspective
- ·glazing
- ·dry brushing
- ·scumbling
- ·chiaroscuro
common pitfalls
- →Getting the perspective wrong in the architecture.
- →Overworking the details and losing the overall sense of atmosphere.
- →Making the figures too bright or saturated compared to the background.
- →Failing to create a convincing sense of depth in the painting.
materials
surface · stretched canvas
required
- ·stretched canvas 18x24
- ·burnt umber oil paint
- ·yellow ochre oil paint
- ·titanium white oil paint
- ·round brushes (sizes 2, 4, 6)
- ·flat brushes (sizes 1/2 inch, 1 inch)
- ·linseed oil
- ·odorless mineral spirits
optional
- ·palette knife
- ·retouch varnish
- ·medium (e.g. Liquin)
Use a canvas with a smooth surface for best results. Consider toning the canvas with a thin wash of burnt umber before starting to paint.
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