plate no. 6162
The kiss
Jules Trayer, 1858
some experience helpful
Recreating this painting will help students develop skills in portraiture, including rendering skin tones and capturing subtle expressions, as well as understanding how to depict fabric and drapery with realistic folds and textures.
technical profile
palette complexity
4
brushwork visibility
3
value contrast
4
compositional simplicity
3
study guide
est. 20 hrsapproach — 8 steps
- step 01
Create a preliminary sketch to establish the composition and proportions of the figures and objects.
- step 02
Block in the main shapes and colors, focusing on the overall value structure.
- step 03
Develop the background, paying attention to the subtle variations in tone and texture.
- step 04
Refine the figures, starting with the faces and hands, and then moving on to the clothing and accessories.
- step 05
Pay close attention to the details of the shawl and the chair, capturing the intricate patterns and textures.
- step 06
Add the highlights and shadows to create depth and dimension.
- step 07
Blend and soften the edges to create a sense of realism.
- step 08
Add final details and adjust values as needed to achieve a cohesive and harmonious result.
color palette
primary · ivory black · cadmium red · titanium white · yellow ochre
secondary · viridian · ultramarine blue · burnt umber
Mix various shades of gray and brown for the background and shadows. Use white and yellow ochre to create the skin tones, adding small amounts of red for warmth. Mix red with black and brown to create the deep reds of the shawl.
techniques
- ·portraiture
- ·drapery rendering
- ·glazing
- ·scumbling
- ·chiaroscuro
common pitfalls
- →Overworking the details too early in the process.
- →Failing to establish a strong value structure.
- →Using colors that are too saturated or unrealistic.
- →Neglecting the importance of blending and softening edges.
materials
surface · stretched canvas
required
- ·stretched canvas 18x24
- ·oil paints (ivory black, cadmium red, titanium white, yellow ochre, viridian, ultramarine blue, burnt umber)
- ·palette
- ·assorted brushes (round and flat)
- ·linseed oil
- ·turpentine
- ·palette knife
- ·rags
optional
- ·retouch varnish
- ·painting medium
Use high-quality oil paints for best results. Consider using a medium to improve the flow and blending of the paints.
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