plate no. 9580
The Sundial
some experience helpful
This painting is a good exercise in capturing soft light and rendering figures in a muted palette. Students can practice creating depth through subtle value changes and loose brushwork.
technical profile
palette complexity
3
brushwork visibility
4
value contrast
3
compositional simplicity
3
study guide
est. 10 hrsapproach — 8 steps
- step 01
Sketch the basic shapes and composition, paying attention to proportions.
- step 02
Establish the background with a thin wash of muted green and brown tones.
- step 03
Block in the main figures and the sundial with basic shapes and values.
- step 04
Develop the forms of the figures and sundial, adding highlights and shadows.
- step 05
Refine the details of the clothing and facial features.
- step 06
Add texture to the background foliage and architectural elements.
- step 07
Adjust the overall values and colors to create a harmonious composition.
- step 08
Add final highlights and details to enhance the focal point.
color palette
primary · raw umber · titanium white · yellow ochre
secondary · ivory black · burnt sienna
Achieve the muted tones by mixing the primary colors with small amounts of black or burnt sienna. Use white to lighten values and create highlights.
techniques
- ·dry brushing
- ·scumbling
- ·glazing
- ·chiaroscuro
- ·alla prima
common pitfalls
- →Overworking the details and losing the loose, painterly feel.
- →Creating harsh lines and edges instead of soft transitions.
- →Failing to establish a clear value structure.
- →Using colors that are too bright or saturated.
materials
surface · stretched canvas
required
- ·stretched canvas
- ·raw umber oil paint
- ·titanium white oil paint
- ·yellow ochre oil paint
- ·burnt sienna oil paint
- ·ivory black oil paint
- ·round brushes
- ·linseed oil
optional
- ·palette knife
- ·painting medium
- ·easel
Use a medium-grain canvas for a good balance of texture and smoothness. Consider using a toned canvas to establish a base color.
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