plate no. 2565
The Net
Kexin Di, 2008
experienced study
Recreating this painting will help students develop skills in rendering complex textures with impasto and understanding subtle color variations in a limited palette. It also provides practice in depicting the human form in dynamic poses.
technical profile
palette complexity
4
brushwork visibility
5
value contrast
4
compositional simplicity
3
study guide
est. 25 hrsapproach — 8 steps
- step 01
Create a rough sketch to establish the composition and placement of figures and the net.
- step 02
Block in the main shapes and values using a thin wash of diluted paint.
- step 03
Begin building up the texture of the net and clothing with thick, impasto brushstrokes.
- step 04
Focus on capturing the folds and wrinkles in the fabric and the intricate details of the rope.
- step 05
Develop the figures, paying attention to the light and shadow on their skin and clothing.
- step 06
Refine the details of the background, suggesting the boat and the ocean.
- step 07
Add highlights and shadows to enhance the three-dimensionality of the forms.
- step 08
Apply final glazes to unify the colors and create depth.
color palette
primary · raw umber · titanium white · ivory black
secondary · yellow ochre · cadmium red light · ultramarine blue
Achieve the muted tones by mixing the primary colors with white and small amounts of secondary colors. Use raw umber and white for the base tones of the net and clothing, adding touches of yellow ochre and red for warmth.
techniques
- ·Impasto
- ·Scumbling
- ·Dry brushing
- ·Color mixing
- ·Glazing
common pitfalls
- →Overworking the details of the net, resulting in a cluttered and confusing image.
- →Failing to establish a strong value structure, leading to a flat and lifeless painting.
- →Using too much color, which can detract from the overall mood and atmosphere.
- →Ignoring the subtle nuances of light and shadow, resulting in a lack of depth.
materials
surface · stretched canvas
required
- ·Stretched canvas 18x24
- ·Oil paints (raw umber, titanium white, ivory black, yellow ochre, cadmium red light, ultramarine blue)
- ·Palette
- ·Assorted brushes (round, flat, filbert)
- ·Palette knife
- ·Linseed oil
- ·Odorless mineral spirits
- ·Rags
optional
- ·Painting medium (e.g., Liquin)
- ·Retouch varnish
- ·Easel
Use high-quality oil paints for best results. Consider using a textured canvas to enhance the impasto effect.
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