plate no. 5007

To Each His Own

Jacek Yerka, 1988

oilSurrealismgenre paintingfigureworkshoptoolsinteriorstill lifecabinet

experienced study

Recreating this painting will help students develop skills in rendering realistic textures, creating depth through atmospheric perspective, and accurately depicting complex forms and lighting.

technical profile

palette complexity

brushwork visibility

value contrast

compositional simplicity

study guide

est. 30 hrs

approach — 8 steps

step 01
Begin with a detailed sketch, paying close attention to perspective and proportions.
step 02
Establish the overall value structure with a thin underpainting using burnt umber or a similar earth tone.
step 03
Block in the main colors, focusing on accurate color matching and value relationships.
step 04
Develop the details of the figure, including the skin tones and clothing folds.
step 05
Render the various tools and objects in the workshop, paying attention to their textures and materials.
step 06
Add highlights and shadows to create depth and dimension.
step 07
Refine the details and make any necessary adjustments to the composition.
step 08
Add final glazes to unify the painting and enhance the colors.

color palette

primary · burnt umber · raw sienna · ivory black · titanium white

secondary · cadmium yellow · ultramarine blue · alizarin crimson

Achieve the warm browns and earth tones by mixing burnt umber, raw sienna, and small amounts of the secondary colors. Use white to lighten values and create highlights.

techniques