plate no. 2793
With Mum
Samuel Mutzner, 1925
study guide
est. 12 hrsapproach — 8 steps
- step 01
Lightly sketch the main figures and background elements, focusing on proportions and composition.
- step 02
Establish the overall color scheme by blocking in large areas of color with thin washes.
- step 03
Begin building up layers of paint, focusing on defining the light and shadow areas on the figures.
- step 04
Use thicker paint and visible brushstrokes to add texture and detail to the clothing and background.
- step 05
Refine the facial features, paying close attention to the eyes and mouth to capture the likeness of the subjects.
- step 06
Add highlights and shadows to create depth and dimension.
- step 07
Adjust the colors and values as needed to achieve a harmonious and balanced composition.
- step 08
Add final details and touches to complete the painting.
color palette
primary · red · brown · white · black
secondary · green · blue · yellow
Achieve skin tones by mixing white, red, and brown with small amounts of yellow or green. Create shadows by adding black or a complementary color to the base color. Mix various shades of brown and black to create the dark clothing.
techniques
- ·broken color
- ·impasto
- ·alla prima
- ·scumbling
- ·color temperature
common pitfalls
- →Overworking the details and losing the freshness of the brushstrokes.
- →Failing to establish a strong value structure.
- →Getting bogged down in mixing too many colors.
- →Not capturing the likeness of the figures.
materials
surface · stretched canvas
required
- ·stretched canvas
- ·oil paints
- ·palette
- ·assorted brushes
- ·linseed oil
- ·turpentine
- ·palette knife
optional
- ·painting medium
- ·varnish
- ·easel
Use a medium-grain canvas for best results. Consider using a limited palette of colors to simplify the mixing process.
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