plate no. 3195

Thomas Jefferson Writing the Declaration of Independence

oilRomanticismillustrationfigureinteriordeskpaperswindowclock

experienced study

Recreating this painting will help students understand how to depict dramatic lighting and create a sense of atmosphere using a limited color palette. It also provides practice in rendering realistic figures and objects in a dimly lit environment.

technical profile

palette complexity

brushwork visibility

value contrast

compositional simplicity

study guide

est. 15 hrs

approach — 8 steps

step 01
Sketch the basic composition, focusing on the placement of the figure, desk, window, and clock.
step 02
Establish the overall value structure with a thin wash of burnt umber, paying close attention to the areas of light and shadow.
step 03
Block in the main colors of the background, figure, and desk, using a limited palette of earth tones and reds.
step 04
Refine the details of the figure's face and clothing, paying attention to the subtle variations in color and value.
step 05
Add highlights to the areas of direct light, such as the paper and the figure's face.
step 06
Develop the details of the desk and the papers, using a variety of brushstrokes to create texture and depth.
step 07
Paint the window and the distant buildings, using a muted palette to suggest atmospheric perspective.
step 08
Add final details and adjust the overall color balance to create a cohesive and atmospheric painting.

color palette

primary · burnt umber · raw sienna · cadmium red

secondary · ivory black · yellow ochre

Achieve the warm, reddish tones by mixing cadmium red with burnt umber. Use yellow ochre to create highlights and lighter areas. Mix ivory black with burnt umber to create deep shadows.

techniques