plate no. 9951

The Time of Your Life

Beauford Delaney, 1945

oilExpressionismgenre paintingfiguresinteriorroommusicsocial gatheringdog

some experience helpful

This painting helps students practice simplifying complex scenes into basic shapes and using color to define planes and create a sense of depth. It also encourages experimentation with expressive brushstrokes.

technical profile

palette complexity

brushwork visibility

value contrast

compositional simplicity

study guide

est. 12 hrs

approach — 8 steps

step 01
Lightly sketch the basic shapes and layout of the composition, focusing on the placement of figures and key objects.
step 02
Block in the large areas of color, starting with the background and working towards the foreground.
step 03
Define the different planes and surfaces by adjusting the values and hues of the colors.
step 04
Add details to the figures and objects, paying attention to their proportions and relationships to each other.
step 05
Use thicker paint and bolder brushstrokes to create texture and visual interest.
step 06
Refine the edges and contours of the shapes, adding highlights and shadows to create depth.
step 07
Add the linear details and outlines to emphasize the shapes and forms.
step 08
Step back and assess the overall balance and harmony of the painting, making any necessary adjustments.