plate no. 4783
Uncared for
Augustus Edwin Mulready, 1871
experienced study
Recreating this painting will help students develop skills in rendering realistic figures, creating depth through atmospheric perspective, and capturing the textures of various surfaces like brick and paper.
technical profile
palette complexity
4
brushwork visibility
3
value contrast
4
compositional simplicity
3
study guide
est. 30 hrsapproach — 8 steps
- step 01
Create a preliminary sketch to establish the composition and proportions of the figures and background.
- step 02
Block in the main shapes and values using thin washes of color.
- step 03
Develop the background, starting with the distant buildings and gradually working towards the brick wall.
- step 04
Focus on the figures, paying close attention to the anatomy and facial expressions.
- step 05
Build up layers of color and detail, using both wet-on-wet and dry brush techniques.
- step 06
Add the details of the posters on the wall, paying attention to the lettering and texture.
- step 07
Refine the lighting and shadows to create depth and dimension.
- step 08
Add final details and highlights to complete the painting.
color palette
primary · burnt umber · raw sienna · ivory black · titanium white
secondary · cadmium red · ultramarine blue · yellow ochre
Mix various shades of brown and gray by combining burnt umber, raw sienna, ivory black, and titanium white. Use small amounts of cadmium red and ultramarine blue to create subtle variations in the skin tones and clothing.
techniques
- ·underpainting
- ·glazing
- ·scumbling
- ·dry brushing
- ·atmospheric perspective
common pitfalls
- →Getting the proportions of the figures wrong.
- →Overworking the details and losing the overall sense of atmosphere.
- →Failing to create a convincing sense of depth.
- →Not paying enough attention to the lighting and shadows.
materials
surface · stretched canvas
required
- ·stretched canvas 18x24
- ·burnt umber oil paint
- ·raw sienna oil paint
- ·ivory black oil paint
- ·titanium white oil paint
- ·cadmium red oil paint
- ·round brushes (sizes 2, 4, 6)
- ·linseed oil
optional
- ·palette knife
- ·medium gloss
- ·odorless mineral spirits
Use high-quality oil paints for best results. Prepare the canvas with gesso before starting to paint.
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