plate no. 3055

The Widows

Jacqueline Hick, 1944

oilExpressionismgenre paintingfigureswomenflowershatsglovesportraits

some experience helpful

Recreating this painting will help students practice limited palette techniques and understand how to create form using subtle value changes. It also provides an opportunity to study figure drawing and composition.

technical profile

palette complexity

brushwork visibility

value contrast

compositional simplicity

study guide

est. 8 hrs

approach — 8 steps

step 01
Lightly sketch the basic shapes and composition, paying attention to the placement of the figures and flowers.
step 02
Establish the darkest areas of the painting using a dark neutral color.
step 03
Begin to build up the mid-tones, gradually adding lighter values to define the forms of the figures and flowers.
step 04
Focus on creating subtle value transitions to suggest the contours of the faces and clothing.
step 05
Add details to the faces, hands, and flowers using a fine brush.
step 06
Refine the overall composition by adjusting values and adding highlights.
step 07
Soften edges where needed to create a sense of atmosphere.
step 08
Add final touches to the flowers, paying attention to their texture and form.

color palette

primary · ivory black · titanium white

secondary · raw umber · payne's gray

Mix ivory black and titanium white to create various shades of gray. Add small amounts of raw umber or payne's gray to adjust the temperature of the grays.

techniques

·value study
·blending
·scumbling
·limited palette
·figure drawing

common pitfalls

→Overworking the details too early in the process.
→Creating harsh value contrasts that disrupt the overall harmony.
→Failing to capture the subtle nuances of the facial expressions.
→Ignoring the importance of negative space in the composition.

materials

surface · stretched canvas

required

·stretched canvas
·ivory black oil paint
·titanium white oil paint
·raw umber oil paint
·round brushes (various sizes)
·flat brushes (various sizes)
·palette
·linseed oil

optional

·palette knife
·painting medium
·varnish

A smooth canvas surface will be ideal for achieving the subtle gradations of tone in this painting. Consider using a toned ground to simplify the initial stages.

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