plate no. 9734
Waitresses from the Sparhawk
Yasuo Kuniyoshi, 1925
some experience helpful
Recreating this painting will help students practice simplifying complex forms and using a limited color palette to create mood and atmosphere. Students will also develop skills in depicting figures in a stylized manner.
technical profile
palette complexity
3
brushwork visibility
4
value contrast
4
compositional simplicity
3
study guide
est. 10 hrsapproach — 8 steps
- step 01
Sketch the basic composition, focusing on the placement of the figures, buildings, and landscape elements.
- step 02
Block in the large areas of color, starting with the sky and ground.
- step 03
Add the darker tones to define the shadows and create depth.
- step 04
Refine the shapes of the figures and add details to their clothing.
- step 05
Paint the building and surrounding landscape, paying attention to the simplified forms.
- step 06
Add highlights to create form and dimension.
- step 07
Refine the details and adjust the colors as needed.
- step 08
Add final touches and details to the figures and landscape.
color palette
primary · burnt umber · raw sienna · titanium white · cadmium red
secondary · viridian green · ivory black
Mix burnt umber and raw sienna with white to create the various earth tones. Use black and white to create the grays for the sky. Mix cadmium red with burnt umber to create the red building.
techniques
- ·blocking in
- ·dry brushing
- ·scumbling
- ·simplification of form
- ·limited palette
common pitfalls
- →Overworking the details.
- →Failing to simplify the forms.
- →Using too many colors.
- →Not establishing a clear value structure.
materials
surface · stretched canvas
required
- ·stretched canvas
- ·burnt umber oil paint
- ·raw sienna oil paint
- ·titanium white oil paint
- ·cadmium red oil paint
- ·#4 round brush
- ·#8 flat brush
- ·palette
optional
- ·palette knife
- ·linseed oil
- ·odorless mineral spirits
Use a medium-sized canvas to allow for sufficient detail. Consider using a toned canvas to establish a base color.
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