plate no. 6754
The Painter
experienced study
Recreating this painting will help students develop skills in rendering form with limited color and creating a sense of depth through value and atmospheric perspective. It also provides practice in capturing the likeness and character of a subject.
technical profile
palette complexity
4
brushwork visibility
4
value contrast
4
compositional simplicity
3
study guide
est. 15 hrsapproach — 8 steps
- step 01
Begin with a light sketch to establish the composition and proportions of the figure, painting, and background.
- step 02
Block in the main shapes and values using a limited palette of earth tones.
- step 03
Focus on establishing the darkest darks and lightest lights to create a strong value structure.
- step 04
Develop the form of the figure and the painting within the painting, paying attention to the subtle shifts in value and color.
- step 05
Add details to the face and hands, capturing the character and expression of the painter.
- step 06
Refine the brushwork, using loose, expressive strokes to create texture and movement.
- step 07
Soften edges and blend areas to create a sense of atmosphere and depth.
- step 08
Add final highlights and details to bring the painting to life.
color palette
primary · burnt umber · raw sienna · ivory black
secondary · ultramarine blue · yellow ochre · titanium white
Achieve the various browns and grays by mixing burnt umber, raw sienna, and ivory black in different proportions. Use ultramarine blue to cool down the browns and create shadows. Add yellow ochre and titanium white to create highlights and lighter tones.
techniques
- ·chiaroscuro
- ·dry brush
- ·scumbling
- ·glazing
- ·alla prima
common pitfalls
- →Overworking the painting and losing the loose, expressive brushwork.
- →Getting the proportions wrong in the initial sketch.
- →Failing to establish a strong value structure.
- →Using too much color and losing the muted, tonal quality of the painting.
materials
surface · stretched canvas
required
- ·stretched canvas 18x24
- ·oil paints (burnt umber, raw sienna, ivory black, ultramarine blue, yellow ochre, titanium white)
- ·linseed oil
- ·turpentine or odorless mineral spirits
- ·palette
- ·assorted brushes (round and flat)
- ·palette knife
- ·rags
optional
- ·medium gloss
- ·retouch varnish
- ·easel
Use a canvas with a medium texture to allow for expressive brushwork. Consider toning the canvas with a thin wash of burnt umber before beginning to create a warm undertone.
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