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home·artworks·The Pancake Baker
The Pancake Baker by Adriaen Brouwer

plate no. 8140

The Pancake Baker

Adriaen Brouwer, 1625

oil, woodBaroquegenre paintingfiguresinteriorkitchenfirecookingtableware
experienced study

Recreating this painting will help students develop skills in rendering figures in a dimly lit interior and capturing the textures of various objects using glazing and scumbling techniques.

technical profile

palette complexity
4
brushwork visibility
4
value contrast
4
compositional simplicity
3

study guide

est. 25 hrs

approach — 8 steps

  1. step 01

    Prepare a toned canvas with a warm underpainting.

  2. step 02

    Sketch the main figures and objects, focusing on accurate proportions and placement.

  3. step 03

    Block in the main color masses using thin washes of color.

  4. step 04

    Develop the values, starting with the darkest areas and gradually working towards the highlights.

  5. step 05

    Begin adding details to the figures and objects, paying attention to the textures and forms.

  6. step 06

    Use glazing and scumbling techniques to create depth and atmosphere.

  7. step 07

    Refine the highlights and shadows to create a sense of realism.

  8. step 08

    Add final details and adjust the overall composition as needed.

color palette

primary · burnt umber · raw sienna · ivory black · vermilion

secondary · yellow ochre · ultramarine blue · titanium white

Achieve the warm, earthy tones by mixing burnt umber, raw sienna, and yellow ochre. Use ultramarine blue to cool down the warm tones and create shadows. Mix vermilion with white for the red clothing.

techniques

  • ·glazing
  • ·scumbling
  • ·chiaroscuro
  • ·dry brushing
  • ·underpainting

common pitfalls

  • →Overworking the details too early in the process.
  • →Failing to establish a strong value structure.
  • →Using colors that are too saturated or bright.
  • →Ignoring the importance of atmospheric perspective.

materials

surface · stretched canvas

required

  • ·stretched canvas
  • ·burnt umber oil paint
  • ·raw sienna oil paint
  • ·ivory black oil paint
  • ·vermilion oil paint
  • ·yellow ochre oil paint
  • ·round brushes (sizes 2, 4, 6)
  • ·linseed oil

optional

  • ·palette knife
  • ·medium gloss
  • ·turpentine

Use high-quality oil paints for best results. A medium-grain canvas is recommended for this style of painting.

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related guides

oil painting for beginners →chiaroscuro →how to learn by studying the masters →
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