plate no. 1523
The Spread
some experience helpful
This painting is great for learning how to capture form with limited values and loose brushstrokes. Students can practice gesture drawing and simplifying complex shapes.
technical profile
palette complexity
2
brushwork visibility
4
value contrast
4
compositional simplicity
3
study guide
est. 8 hrsapproach — 8 steps
- step 01
Lightly sketch the overall composition, focusing on proportions and placement of the figure on the couch.
- step 02
Establish the darkest areas of the couch and background with broad strokes.
- step 03
Begin adding mid-tones to define the form of the figure, paying attention to the light source.
- step 04
Use lighter tones to suggest the highlights on the dress and skin.
- step 05
Refine the details of the face and hair, using short, expressive strokes.
- step 06
Add subtle shadows to create depth and dimension.
- step 07
Review the overall composition and make any necessary adjustments to values and proportions.
- step 08
Add final details to the dress and couch.
color palette
primary · ivory black · titanium white
secondary · raw umber
Mix ivory black with varying amounts of titanium white to achieve different shades of gray. Use raw umber sparingly to add warmth to the shadows.
techniques
- ·hatching
- ·scumbling
- ·dry brushing
- ·value studies
- ·gesture drawing
common pitfalls
- →Overworking the details and losing the loose, expressive quality.
- →Failing to establish a clear value structure.
- →Getting lost in the details before establishing the overall composition.
- →Not paying attention to proportions.
materials
surface · stretched canvas
required
- ·stretched canvas
- ·ivory black oil paint
- ·titanium white oil paint
- ·raw umber oil paint
- ·round brush #4
- ·flat brush #8
- ·linseed oil
- ·palette
optional
- ·palette knife
- ·painting medium
Use a toned canvas to make it easier to judge values.
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