plate no. 0483
Tric Trac Players
Pieter de Hooch, 1655
some experience helpful
Recreating this painting will help students understand chiaroscuro and how to create depth using subtle value changes. It's also a good exercise in painting figures in a dimly lit environment.
technical profile
palette complexity
3
brushwork visibility
3
value contrast
4
compositional simplicity
3
study guide
est. 20 hrsapproach — 8 steps
- step 01
Sketch the basic composition, focusing on the placement of the figures and the table.
- step 02
Establish the dark background using a thin wash of burnt umber and black.
- step 03
Block in the main shapes of the figures with mid-tone values.
- step 04
Start building up the highlights on the woman's face and clothing.
- step 05
Refine the details of the clothing and accessories, paying attention to folds and textures.
- step 06
Add the subtle highlights and shadows to the background to create depth.
- step 07
Glaze thin layers of color to unify the painting and enhance the overall mood.
- step 08
Add final details like the cards on the table and the glint of light on the pitcher.
color palette
primary · burnt umber · ivory black · titanium white · yellow ochre
secondary · cadmium red light · raw sienna
Achieve the dark tones by mixing burnt umber and ivory black. Use yellow ochre and white for the lighter areas, and add a touch of red for warmth in the skin tones. Mix raw sienna with burnt umber for the wood tones.
techniques
- ·glazing
- ·scumbling
- ·chiaroscuro
- ·dry brushing
- ·underpainting
common pitfalls
- →Overworking the details too early in the process.
- →Failing to establish a strong value structure.
- →Using colors that are too saturated.
- →Ignoring the subtle shifts in value that create depth.
materials
surface · stretched canvas
required
- ·stretched canvas 18x24
- ·burnt umber oil paint
- ·ivory black oil paint
- ·titanium white oil paint
- ·yellow ochre oil paint
- ·round brushes (sizes 2, 4, 6)
- ·linseed oil
- ·odorless mineral spirits
optional
- ·palette knife
- ·raw sienna oil paint
- ·cadmium red light oil paint
- ·retouch varnish
Use a canvas with a smooth texture for easier blending. Consider using a toned canvas to establish a mid-tone value from the start.
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