plate no. 0886
The Studious Servant
Theodule Ribot, 1871
some experience helpful
Recreating this painting will help students understand how to use chiaroscuro to create dramatic lighting and how to blend values to create soft transitions. It also provides practice in rendering fabric and still life elements.
technical profile
palette complexity
3
brushwork visibility
4
value contrast
4
compositional simplicity
3
study guide
est. 12 hrsapproach — 8 steps
- step 01
Sketch the basic composition, focusing on the placement of the figure, table, and other key elements.
- step 02
Establish the dark background using a thin wash of dark brown or black.
- step 03
Block in the main shapes of the figure and table with mid-tone values.
- step 04
Begin to build up the highlights on the figure's dress and face, using lighter values.
- step 05
Add details to the face, hands, and book, paying attention to the light and shadow.
- step 06
Refine the details of the table and objects on it, using a variety of brushstrokes.
- step 07
Add the plant in the foreground and the feather duster.
- step 08
Adjust the values and colors throughout the painting to create a sense of depth and atmosphere.
color palette
primary · ivory black · titanium white · burnt umber
secondary · viridian green · yellow ochre
Mix shades of gray by combining ivory black and titanium white. Use burnt umber to create warm shadows and viridian green mixed with yellow ochre to create the green for the table cloth.
techniques
- ·chiaroscuro
- ·blending
- ·scumbling
- ·glazing
common pitfalls
- →Overworking the details too early in the painting process.
- →Failing to establish a strong value structure.
- →Using colors that are too saturated.
- →Ignoring the subtle variations in light and shadow.
materials
surface · stretched canvas
required
- ·stretched canvas
- ·ivory black oil paint
- ·titanium white oil paint
- ·burnt umber oil paint
- ·viridian green oil paint
- ·yellow ochre oil paint
- ·round brushes
- ·flat brushes
optional
- ·palette knife
- ·linseed oil
- ·turpentine
Use a medium-grain canvas for best results. Consider using a limited palette to simplify the color mixing process.
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