plate no. 9711

Village barbershop

Adriaen Brouwer, 1631

oil, woodBaroquegenre paintingfiguresinteriorroomtoolswindowshelves

study guide

est. 20 hrs

approach — 8 steps

step 01
Create a rough sketch outlining the main figures and objects, paying attention to proportions and placement.
step 02
Block in the large shapes with thin washes of color, focusing on the overall value structure.
step 03
Establish the light source and begin to build up the shadows and highlights on the figures and objects.
step 04
Refine the details of the faces and clothing, paying attention to the textures and folds.
step 05
Add details to the background elements, such as the shelves, tools, and window.
step 06
Glaze thin layers of color to unify the painting and create a sense of atmosphere.
step 07
Add final highlights and details to create a sense of realism.
step 08
Varnish the painting to protect it and enhance the colors.

color palette

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

secondary · yellow ochre · cadmium red light · ultramarine blue

Achieve the muted tones by mixing umbers and blacks with small amounts of white. Use yellow ochre and cadmium red to create the warm tones of the skin and clothing. Add ultramarine blue to darken shadows and create cool tones.

techniques