plate no. 0296
The Nantucket School of Philosophy
Eastman Johnson, 1887
experienced study
Recreating this painting will help students develop skills in rendering figures in low light conditions and creating a sense of depth through atmospheric perspective and subtle value changes.
technical profile
palette complexity
4
brushwork visibility
4
value contrast
4
compositional simplicity
3
study guide
est. 20 hrsapproach — 8 steps
- step 01
Begin with a light sketch to establish the composition and placement of figures and objects.
- step 02
Block in the main shapes and values using thin washes of color.
- step 03
Establish the light source and begin to build up the darker areas of the painting.
- step 04
Gradually add details to the figures and objects, paying attention to the subtle variations in color and value.
- step 05
Use a dry brush technique to create texture in the walls and floor.
- step 06
Refine the highlights and shadows to create a sense of depth and dimension.
- step 07
Add final details such as the tools, pipes, and papers.
- step 08
Glaze with thin layers to unify the colors and values.
color palette
primary · burnt umber · raw sienna · ivory black · titanium white
secondary · yellow ochre · cadmium red light · ultramarine blue
Achieve the warm, muted tones by mixing burnt umber and raw sienna with small amounts of black and white. Use yellow ochre and cadmium red to create subtle highlights and warmth. Add ultramarine blue to darken shadows and create cool tones.
techniques
- ·underpainting
- ·glazing
- ·dry brush
- ·scumbling
- ·chiaroscuro
common pitfalls
- →Failing to establish a strong light source.
- →Overworking the details too early in the process.
- →Creating colors that are too saturated.
- →Ignoring the subtle variations in value.
materials
surface · stretched canvas
required
- ·stretched canvas
- ·burnt umber oil paint
- ·raw sienna oil paint
- ·ivory black oil paint
- ·titanium white oil paint
- ·#4 round brush
- ·#6 flat brush
- ·linseed oil
optional
- ·palette knife
- ·turpentine
- ·retouch varnish
- ·medium gloss
Use a canvas with a smooth texture to allow for fine details. Consider using a toned canvas to speed up the underpainting process.
tips & new artworks in your inbox
no spam — unsubscribe anytime.
or to save artworks, chat, and track progress
in this vein
