plate no. 3090
The Stairs
Charles Blackman, 1952
some experience helpful
Recreating this painting will help students practice simplifying forms and using a limited color palette to create a mood. It also encourages experimentation with visible brushstrokes to add texture and interest.
technical profile
palette complexity
3
brushwork visibility
4
value contrast
3
compositional simplicity
3
study guide
est. 8 hrsapproach — 8 steps
- step 01
Lightly sketch the basic shapes and placement of the figures and stairs using a pencil.
- step 02
Block in the large areas of color, starting with the background blues.
- step 03
Add the darker horizontal lines representing the stairs.
- step 04
Paint the figures, focusing on their simplified forms and the limited color variations.
- step 05
Add shadows to create depth and dimension.
- step 06
Refine the details of the faces and clothing, using visible brushstrokes.
- step 07
Adjust the colors and values as needed to match the original painting.
- step 08
Add final details and highlights.
color palette
primary · cerulean blue · ultramarine blue · titanium white
secondary · burnt umber · raw sienna
Mix different shades of blue by adding white or burnt umber. Use raw sienna and white to create the skin tones, and add small amounts of blue or umber to create shadows.
techniques
- ·blocking in
- ·dry brushing
- ·scumbling
- ·color mixing
- ·simplifying forms
common pitfalls
- →Overworking the details and losing the simplified aesthetic.
- →Using too many colors and creating a muddy effect.
- →Not paying attention to the proportions of the figures.
- →Ignoring the importance of the shadows in creating depth.
materials
surface · stretched canvas
required
- ·stretched canvas
- ·cerulean blue acrylic paint
- ·ultramarine blue acrylic paint
- ·titanium white acrylic paint
- ·burnt umber acrylic paint
- ·raw sienna acrylic paint
- ·round brushes (various sizes)
- ·flat brushes (various sizes)
optional
- ·palette knife
- ·retarder medium
- ·easel
Acrylic paint is recommended for its quick drying time and ease of use. However, oil paints can also be used to achieve a similar effect.
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