plate no. 5279
The humble meal
some experience helpful
This painting provides a good opportunity to practice portraiture and rendering realistic textures of fabric and skin. Students can also learn to create depth and form using subtle value changes and soft edges.
technical profile
palette complexity
3
brushwork visibility
4
value contrast
3
compositional simplicity
4
study guide
est. 15 hrsapproach — 8 steps
- step 01
Lightly sketch the main shapes and proportions of the figure, chair, and table.
- step 02
Establish the background with a thin wash of neutral tones.
- step 03
Block in the main color masses for the figure's clothing, skin, and the objects on the table.
- step 04
Refine the values and edges of the figure, paying attention to the light source and shadows.
- step 05
Add details to the face, hands, and clothing, focusing on texture and form.
- step 06
Develop the background and foreground, adding subtle variations in color and value.
- step 07
Glaze thin layers of color to unify the painting and enhance the overall harmony.
- step 08
Add final highlights and details to create a sense of realism.
color palette
primary · raw umber · ivory black · titanium white · yellow ochre
secondary · alizarin crimson · ultramarine blue · burnt sienna
Mix various shades of gray and brown by combining raw umber, ivory black, and titanium white. Use small amounts of alizarin crimson and ultramarine blue to create subtle color variations in the skin tones and clothing.
techniques
- ·underpainting
- ·glazing
- ·scumbling
- ·chiaroscuro
- ·soft blending
common pitfalls
- →Overworking the details too early in the painting process.
- →Failing to establish a strong value structure.
- →Using colors that are too saturated or bright.
- →Ignoring the importance of edges and transitions.
materials
surface · stretched canvas
required
- ·stretched canvas
- ·raw umber oil paint
- ·ivory black oil paint
- ·titanium white oil paint
- ·yellow ochre oil paint
- ·round brushes (sizes 2, 4, 6)
- ·linseed oil
- ·odorless mineral spirits
optional
- ·palette knife
- ·medium gloss
- ·mahogany palette
Use a medium-grain canvas for best results. Consider using a toned canvas to establish a base color.
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