plate no. 8328
The Little Beggar
Laura Knight, 1947
some experience helpful
Recreating this painting will help students develop skills in figure painting, particularly rendering skin tones and anatomy, as well as creating depth and atmosphere in a landscape.
technical profile
palette complexity
4
brushwork visibility
4
value contrast
3
compositional simplicity
3
study guide
est. 15 hrsapproach — 8 steps
- step 01
Create a light sketch outlining the main figures and landscape elements.
- step 02
Block in the large areas of color, starting with the background and working forward.
- step 03
Develop the skin tones of the figures, paying attention to subtle variations in color and value.
- step 04
Add details to the clothing and hair, using a variety of brushstrokes to create texture.
- step 05
Refine the landscape, adding details such as grass, trees, and horses.
- step 06
Pay attention to the light and shadow, and adjust the values accordingly.
- step 07
Add final details and highlights to create a sense of realism.
- step 08
Step back and assess the painting, making any necessary adjustments.
color palette
primary · yellow ochre · raw umber · titanium white · ivory black
secondary · cadmium yellow · burnt sienna · ultramarine blue
Mix skin tones using yellow ochre, raw umber, and titanium white, with small amounts of burnt sienna for warmth and ultramarine blue for cool shadows. Create greens by mixing yellow ochre and ultramarine blue.
techniques
- ·blocking in
- ·scumbling
- ·dry brushing
- ·glazing
- ·color mixing
common pitfalls
- →Overworking the skin tones, resulting in a flat or lifeless appearance.
- →Failing to create a sense of depth in the landscape.
- →Ignoring the subtle variations in color and value.
- →Getting the proportions of the figures wrong.
materials
surface · stretched canvas
required
- ·stretched canvas
- ·oil paints
- ·palette
- ·palette knife
- ·assorted brushes
- ·linseed oil
- ·turpentine
- ·rags
optional
- ·medium gloss
- ·easel
- ·color chart
Use a medium-grain canvas for best results. Consider using a limited palette to simplify the color mixing process.
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