plate no. 0603
The Jockeys' Dressing Room at Ascot
John Lavery, 1923
experienced study
This painting is a good exercise in capturing a complex scene with many figures using loose brushwork and a limited palette. It also provides practice in rendering light and shadow within an interior space.
technical profile
palette complexity
4
brushwork visibility
4
value contrast
3
compositional simplicity
2
study guide
est. 15 hrsapproach — 8 steps
- step 01
Begin with a light sketch to establish the overall composition and placement of figures.
- step 02
Block in the main shapes and colors using thin washes of paint.
- step 03
Establish the light source and begin to define the shadows and highlights.
- step 04
Develop the figures, focusing on capturing their gestures and poses rather than precise details.
- step 05
Add details to the clothing and accessories, using thicker paint and more defined brushstrokes.
- step 06
Refine the background and architectural elements, paying attention to perspective.
- step 07
Add final highlights and shadows to create depth and dimension.
- step 08
Step back and assess the overall balance and harmony of the painting.
color palette
primary · burnt umber · raw sienna · titanium white · ultramarine blue
secondary · cadmium yellow · alizarin crimson · ivory black
Mix various shades of brown and gray by combining burnt umber, raw sienna, and white. Use ultramarine blue to create cooler shadows and to mix with yellow for greens. Add small amounts of alizarin crimson to warm up browns and grays.
techniques
- ·loose brushwork
- ·alla prima
- ·scumbling
- ·color mixing
- ·atmospheric perspective
common pitfalls
- →Getting bogged down in details too early.
- →Overworking the painting and losing the freshness of the brushstrokes.
- →Failing to establish a clear light source.
- →Not paying attention to the relative values of the colors.
materials
surface · stretched canvas
required
- ·stretched canvas 18x24
- ·burnt umber oil paint
- ·raw sienna oil paint
- ·titanium white oil paint
- ·ultramarine blue oil paint
- ·round brushes size 2, 4, 6
- ·palette
- ·linseed oil
optional
- ·palette knife
- ·medium gloss
- ·easel
Use a medium-grain canvas for best results. Consider toning the canvas with a thin wash of burnt umber before starting.
tips & new artworks in your inbox
no spam — unsubscribe anytime.
or to save artworks, chat, and track progress
related guides
in this vein
