plate no. 0523
The Silver Screen
Frank W. Benson, 1921
some experience helpful
Recreating this painting will help students develop skills in color mixing to achieve subtle variations and practice loose, expressive brushwork to capture the textures of different objects. It also encourages observation of light and shadow to create depth and form.
technical profile
palette complexity
4
brushwork visibility
4
value contrast
3
compositional simplicity
3
study guide
est. 12 hrsapproach — 8 steps
- step 01
Lightly sketch the basic shapes and composition, paying attention to proportions and placement.
- step 02
Establish the background with broad strokes of muted colors, focusing on the overall tone.
- step 03
Block in the main colors of the tablecloth, fruit bowl, and vase, using a limited palette.
- step 04
Begin adding layers of color to build depth and dimension in the fruit and vase.
- step 05
Refine the details of the tablecloth, paying attention to the folds and highlights.
- step 06
Add shadows and highlights to create form and volume in the objects.
- step 07
Develop the details of the vase's design and the fruit's texture with smaller brushes.
- step 08
Make final adjustments to the colors, values, and edges to create a cohesive and harmonious painting.
color palette
primary · yellow ochre · raw umber · titanium white · burnt sienna
secondary · ultramarine blue · alizarin crimson · cadmium yellow light
Mix muted grays and browns by combining the primary colors. Use white to lighten values and create highlights. Achieve the fruit colors by blending reds, yellows, and browns.
techniques
- ·broken color
- ·scumbling
- ·dry brushing
- ·layering
- ·color mixing
common pitfalls
- →Overworking the details too early in the process.
- →Failing to establish a strong value structure.
- →Using colors that are too saturated or bright.
- →Ignoring the subtle color variations in the shadows.
materials
surface · stretched canvas
required
- ·stretched canvas 16x20
- ·oil paints (yellow ochre, raw umber, titanium white, burnt sienna, ultramarine blue, alizarin crimson, cadmium yellow light)
- ·palette
- ·palette knife
- ·assorted brushes (round and flat)
- ·linseed oil
- ·turpentine or odorless mineral spirits
- ·rags
optional
- ·retouch varnish
- ·painting medium
- ·easel
Use a medium-textured canvas to allow for expressive brushwork. Consider using a limited palette to simplify the color mixing process.
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