plate no. 0730

The Visit

Pieter de Hooch, 1657

oil, panelBaroquegenre paintingfiguresinteriortablewindowarchitectureclothing

study guide

est. 20 hrs

approach — 8 steps

step 01
Sketch the basic composition, focusing on the placement of figures and major architectural elements.
step 02
Establish the overall value structure with a thin wash of burnt umber or a similar earth tone.
step 03
Block in the main colors of the figures' clothing and the surrounding interior, paying attention to local color.
step 04
Develop the light and shadow patterns, using glazing and scumbling techniques to create subtle transitions.
step 05
Refine the details of the faces and hands, focusing on accurate proportions and expressions.
step 06
Add details to the clothing, furniture, and other objects in the scene, using small brushes and precise strokes.
step 07
Glaze the painting with thin layers of color to unify the composition and enhance the overall atmosphere.
step 08
Add final highlights and shadows to create a sense of depth and realism.

color palette

primary · burnt umber · yellow ochre · titanium white · red

secondary · ultramarine blue · ivory black · raw sienna

Achieve the subtle variations in skin tones by mixing yellow ochre, burnt umber, and titanium white. Use glazes of ultramarine blue and burnt umber to create shadows and depth.

techniques

·glazing
·scumbling
·chiaroscuro
·underpainting
·rendering fabric

common pitfalls

→Getting the proportions of the figures wrong.
→Overworking the details too early in the process.
→Failing to create a convincing sense of depth and atmosphere.
→Not paying enough attention to the subtle variations in color and value.

materials

surface · stretched canvas

required

·stretched canvas
·oil paints (burnt umber, yellow ochre, titanium white, red, ultramarine blue, ivory black, raw sienna)
·linseed oil
·turpentine or mineral spirits
·palette
·assorted brushes (round and flat)
·palette knife
·rags