plate no. 9908
Three A.M.
John French Sloan, 1909
some experience helpful
Recreating this painting will help students develop skills in painting figures in an interior setting and capturing the nuances of light and shadow on fabric. It also provides practice in creating a sense of atmosphere through color and brushwork.
technical profile
palette complexity
3
brushwork visibility
4
value contrast
3
compositional simplicity
3
study guide
est. 15 hrsapproach — 8 steps
- step 01
Sketch the basic composition, focusing on the placement of the figures and key elements.
- step 02
Establish the overall color scheme by blocking in large areas of color, starting with the background.
- step 03
Begin refining the figures, paying attention to proportions and anatomical accuracy.
- step 04
Develop the details of the clothing, focusing on the folds and highlights.
- step 05
Add details to the kitchen setting, such as the stove, table, and utensils.
- step 06
Refine the lighting and shadows to create depth and dimension.
- step 07
Add final details, such as facial features and small objects.
- step 08
Step back and assess the overall composition, making any necessary adjustments.
color palette
primary · viridian · ivory black · titanium white
secondary · burnt umber · yellow ochre · cadmium red light
Mix greens by blending viridian with yellow ochre and white. Achieve skin tones by mixing white, yellow ochre, and a touch of cadmium red light. Use burnt umber and ivory black to create dark shadows.
techniques
- ·blocking in
- ·scumbling
- ·chiaroscuro
- ·glazing
- ·impasto
common pitfalls
- →Getting the proportions of the figures wrong.
- →Overworking the details and losing the overall impression.
- →Failing to create a sense of depth and atmosphere.
- →Not paying attention to the lighting and shadows.
materials
surface · stretched canvas
required
- ·stretched canvas 18x24
- ·oil paints (viridian, ivory black, titanium white, burnt umber, yellow ochre, cadmium red light)
- ·palette
- ·palette knife
- ·assorted brushes (round and flat)
- ·linseed oil
- ·turpentine
- ·rags
optional
- ·medium gloss
- ·retouch varnish
- ·easel
Use a medium-grain canvas for best results. Consider using a limited palette to simplify the color mixing process.
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