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home·artworks·Waiting for Legal Advice
Waiting for Legal Advice by James Campbell

plate no. 6320

Waiting for Legal Advice

James Campbell, 1857

oilRomanticismgenre paintingfiguresinteriorwaiting roomclothingposterbag
experienced study

Recreating this painting will help students develop skills in rendering realistic figures in a complex interior space, and understanding how to create depth using subtle value and color shifts.

technical profile

palette complexity
4
brushwork visibility
3
value contrast
3
compositional simplicity
3

study guide

est. 30 hrs

approach — 8 steps

  1. step 01

    Create a preliminary sketch to establish the composition and proportions of the figures and the room.

  2. step 02

    Block in the main shapes and colors using thin washes of paint.

  3. step 03

    Develop the background details, paying attention to the perspective and the subtle variations in color and tone.

  4. step 04

    Begin to build up the forms of the figures, working from general shapes to more specific details.

  5. step 05

    Focus on accurately rendering the skin tones and facial features of the figures.

  6. step 06

    Add details to the clothing, bag, and other objects, paying attention to the textures and patterns.

  7. step 07

    Refine the lighting and shadows to create a sense of depth and atmosphere.

  8. step 08

    Add final details and highlights to complete the painting.

color palette

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

secondary · ultramarine blue · cadmium red light · yellow ochre

Use burnt umber and ivory black to create a range of neutral tones. Mix ultramarine blue and burnt umber for the darker blues in the clothing. Use cadmium red light and titanium white for the pinks.

techniques

  • ·glazing
  • ·scumbling
  • ·chiaroscuro
  • ·portraiture
  • ·rendering textures

common pitfalls

  • →Incorrect proportions of the figures.
  • →Overworking the details too early in the process.
  • →Failing to create a sense of depth and atmosphere.
  • →Inaccurate rendering of skin tones.

materials

surface · stretched canvas

required

  • ·stretched canvas 18x24
  • ·burnt umber oil paint
  • ·raw sienna oil paint
  • ·ivory black oil paint
  • ·titanium white oil paint
  • ·ultramarine blue oil paint
  • ·round brushes (sizes 2, 4, 6)
  • ·linseed oil

optional

  • ·palette knife
  • ·medium gloss
  • ·painting easel

Use high-quality oil paints for best results. Consider using a toned canvas to help establish the overall color scheme.

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