plate no. 3988
Under the Burden of Adversity
Teodor Axentowicz, 1938
some experience helpful
Recreating this painting will help students develop skills in portraiture, atmospheric perspective, and creating mood through color and brushwork. It's a good exercise in capturing subtle emotions and using a limited palette effectively.
technical profile
palette complexity
4
brushwork visibility
4
value contrast
3
compositional simplicity
3
study guide
est. 12 hrsapproach — 8 steps
- step 01
Sketch the basic composition, focusing on the placement and proportions of the figures and the building in the background.
- step 02
Establish the overall color scheme by applying a thin wash of earth tones to the canvas.
- step 03
Block in the dark areas of the figures' clothing and hair, paying attention to the shapes and folds.
- step 04
Begin to build up the skin tones using a mix of warm and cool colors, focusing on the subtle variations in light and shadow.
- step 05
Add details to the faces, such as the eyes, nose, and mouth, using small, precise brushstrokes.
- step 06
Paint the background, blending the colors to create a sense of depth and atmosphere.
- step 07
Add highlights and shadows to the figures and background to create contrast and dimension.
- step 08
Refine the details and make any necessary adjustments to the composition.
color palette
primary · burnt umber · yellow ochre · titanium white
secondary · ultramarine blue · cadmium yellow
Achieve skin tones by mixing white, yellow ochre, and a touch of burnt umber. Use ultramarine blue to create cool shadows and atmospheric effects in the background.
techniques
- ·scumbling
- ·blending
- ·layering
- ·atmospheric perspective
common pitfalls
- →Overworking the details and losing the overall sense of atmosphere.
- →Using too much color and creating a painting that is too bright and cheerful.
- →Failing to capture the subtle emotions of the figures.
- →Ignoring the importance of value contrast and creating a painting that is flat and lifeless.
materials
surface · stretched canvas
required
- ·stretched canvas
- ·burnt umber oil paint
- ·yellow ochre oil paint
- ·titanium white oil paint
- ·ultramarine blue oil paint
- ·cadmium yellow oil paint
- ·round brushes (sizes 2, 4, 6)
- ·linseed oil
optional
- ·palette knife
- ·painting medium
- ·varnish
Use a canvas with a fine weave to allow for smooth blending. Consider using a medium to thin the paint and improve its flow.
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