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home·artworks·Untitled from Market Series
Untitled from Market Series by Mark Tobey

plate no. 1398

Untitled from Market Series

Mark Tobey

oilExpressionismgenre paintingcrowdfiguresmarketclothingsignsurban scene
experienced study

Recreating this painting will help students develop skills in depicting crowds, understanding tonal values, and creating dynamic compositions with many elements. It also encourages expressive brushwork and simplification of forms.

technical profile

palette complexity
2
brushwork visibility
4
value contrast
4
compositional simplicity
1

study guide

est. 15 hrs

approach — 8 steps

  1. step 01

    Lightly sketch the overall composition, focusing on the placement of major shapes and figures.

  2. step 02

    Establish the darkest areas of the painting with a thin wash of dark gray or black.

  3. step 03

    Begin layering in mid-tones, defining the forms of the figures and clothing.

  4. step 04

    Use expressive brushstrokes to suggest details and textures, avoiding overly precise rendering.

  5. step 05

    Gradually build up the highlights, using lighter grays and whites to create contrast.

  6. step 06

    Pay attention to the negative space between figures to create a sense of depth and movement.

  7. step 07

    Add final details, such as the signs and patterns on clothing, with small, deliberate strokes.

  8. step 08

    Step back and assess the overall balance and harmony of the painting, making any necessary adjustments.

color palette

primary · ivory black · titanium white

secondary · payne's gray · raw umber

Achieve various shades of gray by mixing black and white in different proportions. Add small amounts of raw umber or Payne's gray to create warmer or cooler tones.

techniques

  • ·dry brushing
  • ·scumbling
  • ·layering
  • ·tonal painting
  • ·expressive brushwork

common pitfalls

  • →Overworking the details and losing the overall sense of spontaneity.
  • →Creating a flat, lifeless image by not varying the tonal values.
  • →Failing to establish a clear focal point within the crowded composition.
  • →Using too much paint and muddying the colors.

materials

surface · stretched canvas

required

  • ·stretched canvas
  • ·ivory black oil paint
  • ·titanium white oil paint
  • ·palette
  • ·assorted brushes
  • ·linseed oil
  • ·odorless mineral spirits

optional

  • ·palette knife
  • ·painting medium
  • ·varnish

Use a medium-sized canvas to allow for sufficient detail. Consider using a toned canvas to establish a base value.

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