plate no. 9382
The Pink Table Cloth
Beauford Delaney, 1944
some experience helpful
Recreating this painting will help students develop skills in expressive brushwork and color mixing to create mood and atmosphere. It also encourages observation of light and shadow on different surfaces.
technical profile
palette complexity
4
brushwork visibility
5
value contrast
4
compositional simplicity
3
study guide
est. 12 hrsapproach — 8 steps
- step 01
Lightly sketch the main shapes and composition, focusing on proportions.
- step 02
Establish the background colors and values, working from dark to light.
- step 03
Block in the main colors of the figure, table, and objects, using broad strokes.
- step 04
Develop the details of the face and clothing, paying attention to the light and shadow.
- step 05
Add the details of the bottle, glasses, and other objects on the table.
- step 06
Refine the brushwork and color mixing, adding texture and depth.
- step 07
Add final highlights and shadows to enhance the overall effect.
- step 08
Step back and assess the painting, making any necessary adjustments.
color palette
primary · ultramarine blue · burnt sienna · cadmium red · yellow ochre
secondary · viridian green · titanium white
Mix various shades of brown and red for the table cloth. Use blues and greens to create the background and the figure's jacket. Mix white with other colors to create lighter tones and highlights.
techniques
- ·expressive brushwork
- ·color mixing
- ·layering
- ·scumbling
- ·impasto
common pitfalls
- →Overworking the details too early
- →Not establishing a strong value structure
- →Using colors straight from the tube without mixing
- →Ignoring the importance of brushwork
materials
surface · stretched canvas
required
- ·stretched canvas
- ·oil paints
- ·palette
- ·palette knife
- ·assorted brushes
- ·linseed oil
- ·turpentine
optional
- ·painting medium
- ·varnish
- ·easel
Use a medium-sized canvas to allow for expressive brushwork. Consider using a limited palette to simplify the color mixing process.
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