plate no. 1939
The orphans
Luigi Da Rios, 1880
experienced study
Recreating this painting will help students develop skills in figure drawing, rendering realistic skin tones, and creating depth through atmospheric perspective. It also provides practice in depicting textures of clothing and building materials.
technical profile
palette complexity
4
brushwork visibility
3
value contrast
4
compositional simplicity
3
study guide
est. 25 hrsapproach — 8 steps
- step 01
Create a preliminary sketch to establish the composition and proportions of the figures and building.
- step 02
Block in the main shapes and colors using thin washes of paint.
- step 03
Establish the light source and begin to build up the values, focusing on the areas of greatest contrast.
- step 04
Develop the details of the figures, including facial features, clothing folds, and textures.
- step 05
Refine the background, paying attention to the atmospheric perspective and the details of the building.
- step 06
Add highlights and shadows to create a sense of depth and volume.
- step 07
Glaze over areas to unify the colors and create a sense of atmosphere.
- step 08
Add final details and adjust values as needed.
color palette
primary · burnt umber · yellow ochre · titanium white · viridian
secondary · cadmium red · ultramarine blue · raw sienna
Achieve skin tones by mixing white, yellow ochre, burnt umber, and a touch of red. Create the green of the dress by mixing viridian with yellow ochre and white.
techniques
- ·figure drawing
- ·glazing
- ·scumbling
- ·chiaroscuro
- ·atmospheric perspective
common pitfalls
- →Incorrect proportions of the figures.
- →Overworking the details too early in the process.
- →Failing to establish a clear light source.
- →Inaccurate skin tones.
materials
surface · stretched canvas
required
- ·stretched canvas 18x24
- ·oil paints (burnt umber, yellow ochre, titanium white, viridian, cadmium red, ultramarine blue, raw sienna)
- ·linseed oil
- ·turpentine
- ·palette
- ·assorted brushes (round and flat)
- ·palette knife
- ·rags
optional
- ·retouch varnish
- ·medium (e.g. Liquin)
Use high-quality oil paints for best results. Consider using a toned canvas to help establish the initial values.
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