plate no. 0014
The Reading of the will
some experience helpful
Recreating this painting will help students develop skills in rendering figures in a realistic style and creating depth through atmospheric perspective and subtle value changes.
technical profile
palette complexity
3
brushwork visibility
3
value contrast
3
compositional simplicity
2
study guide
est. 25 hrsapproach — 8 steps
- step 01
Create a rough sketch of the composition, paying attention to the placement of figures and objects.
- step 02
Establish the overall value structure with a thin wash of burnt umber or similar earth tone.
- step 03
Begin blocking in the larger shapes and colors of the figures and background.
- step 04
Develop the details of the figures, focusing on accurate proportions and rendering of clothing.
- step 05
Work on the details of the furniture and background, paying attention to the light and shadow.
- step 06
Refine the values and colors, creating depth and atmosphere.
- step 07
Add final details and highlights to bring the painting to life.
- step 08
Glaze with thin layers to unify the colors and values.
color palette
primary · burnt umber · raw sienna · ivory black · titanium white
secondary · yellow ochre · cadmium red light · ultramarine blue
Achieve the muted tones by mixing earth tones with black and white, and use small amounts of secondary colors to adjust the temperature.
techniques
- ·underpainting
- ·glazing
- ·atmospheric perspective
- ·figure drawing
- ·rendering fabric
common pitfalls
- →Getting the proportions of the figures wrong.
- →Overworking the details and losing the overall sense of atmosphere.
- →Using colors that are too bright or saturated.
- →Failing to create a sense of depth.
materials
surface · stretched canvas
required
- ·stretched canvas 18x24
- ·burnt umber oil paint
- ·raw sienna oil paint
- ·ivory black oil paint
- ·titanium white oil paint
- ·round brushes (sizes 2, 4, 6)
- ·linseed oil
- ·palette
optional
- ·palette knife
- ·medium gloss
- ·easel
Use a canvas with a smooth surface for better blending.
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