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home·artworks·Waiting for supper
Waiting for supper by Rudolf Jordan

plate no. 2708

Waiting for supper

Rudolf Jordan, 1868

oil, canvasRomanticismgenre paintingfiguresinteriorfireplacedogwindowrope
experienced study

Recreating this painting will help students develop skills in rendering realistic figures in a dimly lit environment and understanding how light interacts with different textures.

technical profile

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

study guide

est. 25 hrs

approach — 8 steps

  1. step 01

    Sketch the basic composition, paying attention to the placement of figures and objects.

  2. step 02

    Establish the overall value structure with a thin wash of burnt umber.

  3. step 03

    Block in the main shapes and colors of the figures and objects, focusing on accurate proportions.

  4. step 04

    Develop the light source around the fireplace, using highlights and shadows to create depth.

  5. step 05

    Refine the details of the figures' faces and clothing, paying attention to subtle color variations.

  6. step 06

    Add texture to the walls, floor, and objects using dry brush techniques.

  7. step 07

    Glaze over areas to unify the colors and create a sense of atmosphere.

  8. step 08

    Add final highlights and details to complete the painting.

color palette

primary · burnt umber · raw sienna · ivory black

secondary · yellow ochre · cadmium red · titanium white

Achieve the warm, muted tones by mixing burnt umber with small amounts of yellow ochre and cadmium red. Use ivory black to create deep shadows and titanium white for highlights.

techniques

  • ·chiaroscuro
  • ·glazing
  • ·dry brush
  • ·scumbling
  • ·underpainting

common pitfalls

  • →Overworking the details too early in the process.
  • →Failing to establish a strong value structure.
  • →Using colors that are too bright or saturated.
  • →Ignoring the subtle color variations in the shadows.

materials

surface · stretched canvas

required

  • ·stretched canvas 18x24
  • ·burnt umber oil paint
  • ·raw sienna oil paint
  • ·ivory black oil paint
  • ·yellow ochre oil paint
  • ·cadmium red oil paint
  • ·titanium white oil paint
  • ·assorted round and flat brushes

optional

  • ·palette knife
  • ·linseed oil
  • ·turpentine
  • ·medium gloss

Use a medium-grit canvas for better texture. Consider using a toned canvas to start with a warm undertone.

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