plate no. 9781
The Interior of the Foulis Academy of Fine Arts
David Allan, 1761
experienced study
Recreating this painting will help students develop skills in depicting figures in a complex interior space and understanding atmospheric perspective to create depth. It also provides practice in capturing the nuances of light and shadow in a muted color palette.
technical profile
palette complexity
3
brushwork visibility
4
value contrast
3
compositional simplicity
2
study guide
est. 20 hrsapproach — 8 steps
- step 01
Create a rough sketch of the composition, focusing on the placement of figures and easels.
- step 02
Block in the main shapes and values using a limited palette of earth tones.
- step 03
Establish the light source and begin to define the shadows and highlights.
- step 04
Add details to the figures, focusing on their poses and gestures.
- step 05
Develop the background elements, including the paintings on the wall and the windows.
- step 06
Refine the brushwork, using loose strokes to create texture and atmosphere.
- step 07
Add final details and highlights to create a sense of depth and realism.
- step 08
Glaze with thin washes to unify the colors and create a sense of atmosphere.
color palette
primary · raw umber · burnt sienna · ivory black
secondary · yellow ochre · titanium white
Achieve the muted tones by mixing earth colors with white and small amounts of black. Use thin washes of color to create depth and atmosphere.
techniques
- ·underpainting
- ·glazing
- ·scumbling
- ·atmospheric perspective
- ·figure drawing
common pitfalls
- →Overworking the details
- →Failing to establish a strong value structure
- →Ignoring atmospheric perspective
- →Using too much color
materials
surface · stretched canvas
required
- ·stretched canvas
- ·raw umber oil paint
- ·burnt sienna oil paint
- ·ivory black oil paint
- ·yellow ochre oil paint
- ·titanium white oil paint
- ·#4 round brush
- ·#8 flat brush
optional
- ·palette knife
- ·linseed oil
- ·turpentine
- ·medium gloss
Use a toned canvas to help establish the overall value structure. Consider using a medium to thin the paint and create smooth glazes.
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