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home·artworks·The scam
The scam by Giacomo Favretto

plate no. 4854

The scam

Giacomo Favretto, 1886

oil, panelRealismgenre paintingfiguresinteriorgenre scenewindowplant
some experience helpful

Recreating this painting will help students develop skills in value studies and capturing form with expressive brushstrokes. It's a good exercise in simplifying complex scenes into essential shapes and tones.

technical profile

palette complexity
2
brushwork visibility
4
value contrast
4
compositional simplicity
3

study guide

est. 8 hrs

approach — 8 steps

  1. step 01

    Create a light sketch outlining the main shapes: figures, shelf, window, and plant.

  2. step 02

    Block in the main areas of dark and light using a thin wash of diluted paint.

  3. step 03

    Gradually build up the darker values, focusing on the shadows and defining the forms.

  4. step 04

    Add the lighter values, paying attention to the highlights on the figures and objects.

  5. step 05

    Refine the details, such as the facial features and the patterns on the shawl.

  6. step 06

    Use thicker paint and bolder brushstrokes to add texture and visual interest.

  7. step 07

    Soften edges where needed to create a sense of atmosphere.

  8. step 08

    Add final highlights and details to complete the painting.

color palette

primary · ivory black · titanium white · raw umber

secondary · payne's gray · yellow ochre

Mix various shades of gray by combining black and white. Add small amounts of raw umber or yellow ochre to warm up the grays.

techniques

  • ·value sketching
  • ·alla prima
  • ·broken color
  • ·scumbling
  • ·impasto

common pitfalls

  • →Overworking the details and losing the spontaneity of the brushstrokes.
  • →Creating muddy colors by over-mixing.
  • →Failing to establish a strong value structure.
  • →Ignoring the importance of edges and transitions.

materials

surface · stretched canvas

required

  • ·stretched canvas
  • ·ivory black oil paint
  • ·titanium white oil paint
  • ·raw umber oil paint
  • ·palette
  • ·assorted brushes (round and flat)
  • ·linseed oil
  • ·palette knife

optional

  • ·painting medium
  • ·varnish
  • ·easel

Use a medium-grain canvas for best results. Consider using a fast-drying medium to speed up the drying time.

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related guides

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