plate no. 0888
The Westwood Children
Joshua Johnson, 1807
some experience helpful
Recreating this painting will help students develop skills in portraiture, particularly in capturing likeness and creating a sense of depth with limited shading. It also provides practice in rendering simple forms and textures.
technical profile
palette complexity
2
brushwork visibility
3
value contrast
3
compositional simplicity
4
study guide
est. 15 hrsapproach — 8 steps
- step 01
Lightly sketch the basic composition, focusing on the placement and proportions of the figures and the dog.
- step 02
Block in the background with a thin wash of grey and blue, establishing the overall tone.
- step 03
Begin painting the figures, starting with the largest shapes of their clothing in a mid-tone green.
- step 04
Add darker values to create shadows and define the forms of the clothing and boots.
- step 05
Paint the faces, using subtle variations in skin tone to create a sense of volume.
- step 06
Add the details of the lace collars, flowers, and the dog, paying attention to their shapes and textures.
- step 07
Refine the background and add any final details, such as the window and the floor.
- step 08
Glaze with thin layers to adjust color and value as needed.
color palette
primary · sap green · ivory black · titanium white
secondary · cadmium red light · yellow ochre · ultramarine blue
Mix greens by combining blue and yellow. Achieve skin tones by blending white, red, and yellow ochre. Use black sparingly to darken colors.
techniques
- ·blocking in
- ·layering
- ·glazing
- ·dry brushing
- ·scumbling
common pitfalls
- →Overworking the details too early in the process.
- →Failing to establish a strong value structure.
- →Using colors that are too saturated or bright.
- →Getting the proportions of the figures wrong.
materials
surface · stretched canvas
required
- ·stretched canvas 16x20
- ·acrylic or oil paints
- ·round brushes sizes 2, 4, 6
- ·flat brush size 8
- ·palette
- ·palette knife
- ·linseed oil (if using oil paints)
- ·odorless mineral spirits (if using oil paints)
optional
- ·medium gloss
- ·retarder medium
Use a limited palette to simplify color mixing. Consider using a toned canvas to establish a mid-tone background.
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