plate no. 9646
Tick-Tick
Briton Riviere, 1881
some experience helpful
Recreating this painting will help students develop skills in rendering realistic fur textures and capturing subtle variations in light and shadow on a subject with a limited color palette. It also provides practice in depicting metallic objects and wood grain.
technical profile
palette complexity
3
brushwork visibility
3
value contrast
3
compositional simplicity
4
study guide
est. 15 hrsapproach — 8 steps
- step 01
Sketch the basic shapes and proportions of the pug, pocket watch, and background elements.
- step 02
Establish the overall value structure with a thin wash of burnt umber or raw sienna.
- step 03
Block in the main colors of the pug, focusing on the subtle variations in tone.
- step 04
Begin adding details to the pug's fur, using short, directional brushstrokes.
- step 05
Paint the pocket watch, paying attention to the highlights and reflections.
- step 06
Develop the background, creating depth and texture with varied brushstrokes.
- step 07
Add the key and other details, refining the overall composition.
- step 08
Apply final glazes and highlights to enhance the realism and depth.
color palette
primary · raw umber · burnt sienna · titanium white
secondary · yellow ochre · ivory black
Mix various shades of brown and beige by combining raw umber, burnt sienna, and titanium white. Use ivory black sparingly to create darker tones and shadows.
techniques
- ·blending
- ·layering
- ·dry brushing
- ·scumbling
- ·glazing
common pitfalls
- →Overworking the fur, resulting in a flat, lifeless texture.
- →Failing to capture the subtle variations in tone on the pug's body.
- →Making the pocket watch look too shiny or artificial.
- →Ignoring the importance of the background in creating depth and atmosphere.
materials
surface · stretched canvas
required
- ·Stretched canvas 12x16
- ·Oil paints (raw umber, burnt sienna, titanium white, yellow ochre, ivory black)
- ·Round brushes (sizes 2, 4, 6)
- ·Flat brushes (sizes 4, 8)
- ·Palette
- ·Linseed oil
- ·Odorless mineral spirits
- ·Palette knife
optional
- ·Retouch varnish
- ·Medium (e.g., Liquin)
Use high-quality oil paints for best results. Consider using a toned canvas to simplify the initial stages of the painting.
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