plate no. 3885
The Stoker
Mykola Yaroshenko, 1878
some experience helpful
Recreating this painting will help students understand dramatic lighting effects and how to create form using value contrasts. It also provides practice in rendering textures with visible brushstrokes.
technical profile
palette complexity
3
brushwork visibility
4
value contrast
5
compositional simplicity
4
study guide
est. 15 hrsapproach — 8 steps
- step 01
Sketch the basic composition, focusing on the placement of the figure and the light source.
- step 02
Establish the darkest areas of the painting with a thin wash of dark brown or black.
- step 03
Block in the main areas of light with a mix of red, orange, and white.
- step 04
Refine the figure's features, paying close attention to the highlights and shadows.
- step 05
Develop the background, using subtle variations in tone to create depth.
- step 06
Add details to the figure's clothing and tools.
- step 07
Glaze thin layers of color to enhance the warmth of the light and the depth of the shadows.
- step 08
Add final highlights and details to complete the painting.
color palette
primary · burnt umber · cadmium red · titanium white
secondary · yellow ochre · ivory black
Achieve the fiery glow by mixing cadmium red with varying amounts of yellow ochre and titanium white. Use burnt umber and ivory black to create the deep shadows.
techniques
- ·underpainting
- ·glazing
- ·chiaroscuro
- ·dry brushing
common pitfalls
- →Failing to establish a strong value structure early on.
- →Over-blending, which can flatten the image.
- →Using too much paint, which can obscure the brushstrokes.
- →Ignoring the subtle color variations in the shadows.
materials
surface · stretched canvas
required
- ·stretched canvas
- ·burnt umber oil paint
- ·cadmium red oil paint
- ·titanium white oil paint
- ·round brushes (various sizes)
- ·palette
- ·linseed oil
- ·odorless mineral spirits
optional
- ·palette knife
- ·medium (e.g., Liquin)
- ·varnish
Use a canvas with a medium texture to allow for expressive brushstrokes. Consider using a toned ground (e.g., burnt umber) to help establish the value structure.
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