plate no. 8619
The Subway
George Tooker, 1950
experienced study
Recreating this painting will help students develop skills in precise rendering, creating a sense of depth through linear perspective, and mixing subtle color variations to achieve a realistic yet stylized effect. It also provides practice in painting figures in a variety of poses and clothing.
technical profile
palette complexity
3
brushwork visibility
1
value contrast
3
compositional simplicity
2
study guide
est. 25 hrsapproach — 8 steps
- step 01
Create a detailed line drawing of the composition, paying close attention to perspective and proportions.
- step 02
Establish the background by laying in the base colors for the walls, floor, and ceiling, focusing on subtle value shifts.
- step 03
Begin painting the figures, starting with the ones furthest away and working forward.
- step 04
Carefully mix and apply the colors for the clothing, using thin layers of paint to build up depth and detail.
- step 05
Add the architectural details, such as the tiles, railings, and turnstiles, ensuring they align with the perspective.
- step 06
Refine the figures' features and expressions, paying attention to the subtle nuances of light and shadow.
- step 07
Add the final details, such as the shadows cast by the figures and objects.
- step 08
Glaze to unify the colors and add depth.
color palette
primary · raw umber · burnt sienna · ultramarine blue · titanium white
secondary · cadmium red · yellow ochre · payne's gray
Achieve the muted tones by mixing earth tones with white and small amounts of blue or red. Use glazes to create depth and subtle color variations.
techniques
- ·linear perspective
- ·glazing
- ·color mixing
- ·rendering
- ·figure painting
common pitfalls
- →Incorrect perspective
- →muddy colors
- →overworked details
- →inaccurate proportions
- →lack of subtle value changes
materials
surface · gessoed board
required
- ·gessoed board
- ·tempera paints
- ·small round brushes
- ·palette
- ·water
- ·palette knife
- ·ruler
optional
- ·retarder
- ·varnish
- ·easel
Use a smooth board for best results. Tempera dries quickly, so work in small sections.
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