plate no. 2341
The Tub
Edgar Degas, 1886
experienced study
Students would develop pastel blending techniques and learn to capture soft flesh tones while practicing figure drawing and understanding intimate domestic scenes.
technical profile
palette complexity
4
brushwork visibility
4
value contrast
3
compositional simplicity
4
study guide
est. 12 hrsapproach — 8 steps
- step 01
Begin with light sketch mapping the circular tub and figure's basic proportions
- step 02
Establish the warm undertones across the entire surface using light ochre
- step 03
Block in the figure's basic flesh tones using warm pinks and peaches
- step 04
Define the tub's circular form and water surface with cool blue-grays
- step 05
Add the washstand and pitcher using neutral grays and whites
- step 06
Develop the figure's form through careful value gradations
- step 07
Blend and soften transitions between colors using fingers or blending stumps
- step 08
Add final details to hands, hair, and still life elements
color palette
primary · raw sienna · titanium white · cerulean blue · cadmium red light
secondary · burnt umber · yellow ochre · ultramarine blue · alizarin crimson
Mix warm flesh tones by combining white with small amounts of red and yellow ochre; create cool shadows using blue-gray mixtures
techniques
- ·pastel blending
- ·layered color application
- ·stump blending
- ·finger blending
- ·hatching for texture
common pitfalls
- →overworking the pastel surface
- →making flesh tones too pink or artificial
- →losing the soft quality of the medium
- →neglecting the circular perspective of the tub
materials
surface · toned pastel paper 18x24 in warm gray or beige
required
- ·soft pastels in flesh tones
- ·pastel paper in warm neutral tone
- ·blending stumps
- ·fixative spray
- ·kneaded eraser
- ·white pastel pencil
- ·sanguine conte crayon
- ·tortillon blenders
optional
- ·pastel pencils for details
- ·workable fixative
- ·glassine paper for protection
- ·pastel brush
Use soft pastels for broad areas and pastel pencils for refined details; work on textured paper to hold multiple layers
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