plate no. 7189

The Newborn

oil, canvasTenebrismgenre paintingfiguresbabymothertenebrismindoorclothing

some experience helpful

Recreating this painting will help students understand dramatic lighting and shadow, as well as how to model forms using subtle value changes. It's a good exercise in limited palette painting and achieving a sense of depth through light.

technical profile

palette complexity

brushwork visibility

value contrast

compositional simplicity

study guide

est. 15 hrs

approach — 8 steps

step 01
Sketch the basic composition, paying attention to the placement of the figures and the baby.
step 02
Establish the dark background with a thin wash of dark brown or black.
step 03
Block in the main shapes of the figures and clothing with mid-tone values.
step 04
Begin to build up the highlights on the faces, hands, and clothing, using lighter shades of the base colors.
step 05
Carefully blend the transitions between light and shadow to create a smooth, luminous effect.
step 06
Add details to the faces, such as the eyes, nose, and mouth, using small brushes.
step 07
Refine the folds and wrinkles in the clothing, paying attention to how the light interacts with the fabric.
step 08
Add final highlights and shadows to create a sense of depth and realism.

color palette

primary · burnt umber · raw sienna · titanium white

secondary · cadmium red light · ivory black

Mix burnt umber and ivory black for the dark background. Use raw sienna and titanium white for the highlights on the skin. Mix cadmium red light with burnt umber and white to achieve the colors of the clothing.

techniques

·chiaroscuro
·glazing
·blending
·scumbling
·underpainting

common pitfalls

→Overblending, which can result in a flat, lifeless appearance.
→Failing to establish a strong value structure early on.
→Getting lost in details before establishing the overall form.
→Using too much paint, which can make the painting look muddy.

materials

surface · stretched canvas

required

·stretched canvas (16x20 inches)
·oil paints (burnt umber, raw sienna, titanium white, cadmium red light, ivory black)
·linseed oil
·turpentine or odorless mineral spirits
·palette
·assorted brushes (round and flat)
·palette knife
·rags