plate no. 8661
The Kalverstraat, Celebrating the Birth of Princess Juliana of the Netherlands, 1 May 1909
Isaac Israels, 1909
some experience helpful
This drawing helps students practice creating depth and atmosphere using value and mark-making. It also encourages simplification of complex scenes into basic shapes and tones.
technical profile
palette complexity
2
brushwork visibility
4
value contrast
3
compositional simplicity
3
study guide
est. 8 hrsapproach — 8 steps
- step 01
Lightly sketch the basic shapes of the buildings and the overall composition.
- step 02
Establish the horizon line and the vanishing point(s).
- step 03
Block in the darkest areas of the crowd and buildings with charcoal.
- step 04
Add mid-tones to suggest form and depth.
- step 05
Use a kneaded eraser to lift out highlights and create a sense of light.
- step 06
Refine the details of the buildings and figures, focusing on key elements.
- step 07
Add texture and atmosphere with loose, expressive strokes.
- step 08
Adjust values and contrasts to create a sense of depth and focus.
color palette
primary · charcoal gray · sepia
secondary · ivory black · raw umber
Vary the pressure and layering of charcoal to achieve different values. Use sepia to add warmth and depth to the shadows.
techniques
- ·charcoal blending
- ·value studies
- ·atmospheric perspective
- ·hatching
- ·scumbling
common pitfalls
- →Overworking the details and losing the overall impression.
- →Creating too much contrast too early in the process.
- →Failing to establish a clear focal point.
- →Making the crowd too uniform and lacking individual character.
materials
surface · drawing paper (toned or white)
required
- ·charcoal pencils (soft, medium, hard)
- ·kneaded eraser
- ·drawing paper (toned or white)
- ·fixative spray
- ·blending stump
- ·ruler
- ·pencil sharpener
optional
- ·sepia ink wash
- ·charcoal powder
Use a paper with some tooth to grip the charcoal. Toned paper can help establish mid-tones quickly.
tips & new artworks in your inbox
no spam — unsubscribe anytime.
or to save artworks, chat, and track progress
related guides
in this vein
