plate no. 6146
The Night Watch
some experience helpful
This painting helps students practice simplifying forms and using a limited color palette to create mood. It also encourages exploration of light and shadow to define shapes.
technical profile
palette complexity
2
brushwork visibility
3
value contrast
4
compositional simplicity
3
study guide
est. 4 hrsapproach — 8 steps
- step 01
Sketch the basic shapes: the window frame, vase, flowers, and the figure's shadow.
- step 02
Block in the background colors: the dark wall and the blue sky.
- step 03
Paint the window frame with a light gray or white.
- step 04
Fill in the vase with a solid blue color.
- step 05
Add the flower shapes with red, orange, and blue.
- step 06
Paint the stems with thin black lines.
- step 07
Create the shadow of the figure using a dark blue or black, blending it softly into the background.
- step 08
Add highlights and shadows to the vase and flowers to give them dimension.
color palette
primary · ultramarine blue · cadmium red · titanium white
secondary · yellow ochre · black
Mix the background blue by adding white to ultramarine blue. Create the shadow color by mixing black and a touch of blue. The orange flower is a mix of red and yellow ochre.
techniques
- ·blocking in
- ·blending
- ·simplifying shapes
- ·creating shadows
- ·color mixing
common pitfalls
- →Overcomplicating the shapes of the flowers and vase.
- →Making the shadow too harsh or defined.
- →Using too many colors and losing the overall mood.
- →Not blending the colors smoothly enough.
materials
surface · stretched canvas
required
- ·stretched canvas
- ·acrylic paints
- ·round brushes
- ·flat brushes
- ·palette
- ·water container
- ·paper towels
- ·pencil
optional
- ·palette knife
- ·easel
- ·medium gloss
Use a medium-sized canvas (e.g., 16x20 inches) for this project. Acrylic paints are recommended for their fast drying time and ease of use.
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