plate no. 7244
The Passing Train
Marianne Stokes, 1890
some experience helpful
Recreating this painting will help students develop skills in atmospheric perspective and color temperature to create depth, as well as practice blending techniques to achieve soft transitions.
technical profile
palette complexity
3
brushwork visibility
4
value contrast
3
compositional simplicity
3
study guide
est. 12 hrsapproach — 8 steps
- step 01
Sketch the basic composition, focusing on the placement of the figure and the horizon line.
- step 02
Block in the large areas of color: the sky, field, figure's cloak, and the bundles.
- step 03
Establish the light source (the setting sun) and begin to define the shadows and highlights.
- step 04
Develop the details of the figure, paying attention to the facial features and the folds of the cloak.
- step 05
Add texture to the field using broken brushstrokes and varying colors.
- step 06
Refine the details of the bundles, suggesting the individual sticks and ties.
- step 07
Soften the edges of the forms to create a sense of atmosphere.
- step 08
Add final highlights and shadows to enhance the depth and realism of the painting.
color palette
primary · cadmium red · yellow ochre · ultramarine blue
secondary · burnt umber · titanium white · sap green
Mix muted greens for the field by combining yellow ochre, ultramarine blue, and a touch of burnt umber. Achieve the red of the cloak by mixing cadmium red with a touch of burnt umber for shadows and titanium white for highlights.
techniques
- ·scumbling
- ·glazing
- ·atmospheric perspective
- ·color temperature
- ·broken color
common pitfalls
- →Overworking the details and losing the overall atmospheric effect.
- →Using colors that are too saturated and not blending them sufficiently.
- →Failing to establish a clear light source and consistent shadows.
- →Neglecting the importance of soft edges and subtle transitions.
materials
surface · stretched canvas
required
- ·stretched canvas
- ·cadmium red oil paint
- ·yellow ochre oil paint
- ·ultramarine blue oil paint
- ·burnt umber oil paint
- ·titanium white oil paint
- ·round brushes (sizes 2, 4, 6)
- ·linseed oil
optional
- ·palette knife
- ·retouch varnish
- ·easel
Use a medium-grain canvas to allow for texture. Consider using a limited palette to simplify color mixing.
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