plate no. 5968
The Procession, from the Series 'The Book of Idolatry'
Bruno Schulz, 1924
experienced study
Recreating this painting will help students develop skills in cross-hatching, line weight variation, and creating depth through tonal values. It also provides practice in depicting complex figure arrangements and conveying mood through expressive linework.
technical profile
palette complexity
2
brushwork visibility
4
value contrast
4
compositional simplicity
2
study guide
est. 15 hrsapproach — 8 steps
- step 01
Lightly sketch the overall composition, focusing on the placement of the figures and architectural elements.
- step 02
Establish the darkest areas with dense cross-hatching, paying attention to the light source.
- step 03
Build up the mid-tones using lighter hatching and parallel lines.
- step 04
Use varied line weights to define the contours of the figures and objects.
- step 05
Add details to the faces and clothing, using fine lines to create texture and expression.
- step 06
Refine the overall tonal balance, adding more darks and lights as needed.
- step 07
Pay attention to the negative space to create a sense of depth and atmosphere.
- step 08
Add final details and adjust values to complete the drawing.
color palette
primary · sepia · ivory black
secondary · raw umber · payne's grey
Vary the intensity of the sepia and black by diluting with water or mixing with white to create different shades of gray and brown.
techniques
- ·cross-hatching
- ·line weight variation
- ·dry brush
- ·scumbling
- ·atmospheric perspective
common pitfalls
- →Overworking the drawing and losing the spontaneity of the linework.
- →Creating flat, uniform tones instead of varying the values to create depth.
- →Ignoring the negative space and creating a cluttered composition.
- →Not paying attention to the proportions of the figures.
materials
surface · smooth drawing paper
required
- ·smooth paper
- ·graphite pencils (HB, 2B, 4B)
- ·fine liner pens (various sizes)
- ·eraser
- ·ruler
- ·kneaded eraser
- ·sharpener
optional
- ·watercolor pencils
- ·blending stumps
- ·drawing board
Use a smooth paper to allow for fine linework and cross-hatching. Experiment with different pencils and pens to find the ones that work best for you.
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