plate no. 3989
The Wash
Horace Pippin, 1940
suitable for beginners
Recreating this painting will help students develop skills in simplifying complex scenes into basic shapes and using visible brushstrokes to create texture. It also encourages observation of light and shadow to define form.
technical profile
palette complexity
2
brushwork visibility
4
value contrast
3
compositional simplicity
3
study guide
est. 8 hrsapproach — 8 steps
- step 01
Sketch the basic shapes of the composition: water, land, cabin, figure, and trees.
- step 02
Block in the large areas of color: blue for the water, green for the grass and trees, brown for the cabin and path.
- step 03
Add details to the cabin, such as the logs and the door.
- step 04
Paint the figure washing clothes, focusing on the simple shapes of the clothing and body.
- step 05
Add the laundry hanging on the line, paying attention to the colors and shapes.
- step 06
Paint the animals (pig and ducks) using simple shapes and colors.
- step 07
Add texture to the grass and trees using visible brushstrokes.
- step 08
Refine the details and add highlights and shadows to create depth.
color palette
primary · cerulean blue · sap green · raw umber · titanium white
secondary · burnt sienna · yellow ochre · ivory black
Mix greens by combining blue and yellow. Create variations in the greens by adding small amounts of brown or white. Mix browns by combining red, yellow, and blue.
techniques
- ·blocking in
- ·dry brush texture
- ·scumbling
- ·layering
- ·simplified shapes
common pitfalls
- →Overcomplicating the details.
- →Using too many colors.
- →Not simplifying the shapes enough.
- →Blending too much and losing the visible brushstrokes.
materials
surface · stretched canvas
required
- ·stretched canvas
- ·acrylic paints
- ·round brushes (various sizes)
- ·flat brushes (various sizes)
- ·palette
- ·water container
- ·paper towels
- ·pencil
optional
- ·palette knife
- ·easel
- ·retarder medium
Use a canvas with a slightly rough texture to enhance the visible brushstrokes. Acrylic paints are recommended for their fast drying time and ease of use.
tips & new artworks in your inbox
no spam — unsubscribe anytime.
or to save artworks, chat, and track progress
in this vein
