plate no. 4696
Woman on a Balcony
Tom Roberts, 1884
some experience helpful
Recreating this painting will help students develop skills in depicting figures in indoor settings and capturing the effects of light and shadow on various surfaces. It also provides practice in creating a sense of depth and atmosphere through color and brushwork.
technical profile
palette complexity
4
brushwork visibility
4
value contrast
3
compositional simplicity
3
study guide
est. 12 hrsapproach — 8 steps
- step 01
Sketch the basic composition, focusing on the placement of the figure, balcony, and window.
- step 02
Establish the main areas of light and shadow with a thin wash of diluted paint.
- step 03
Block in the larger shapes of color, such as the figure's clothing, the balcony, and the window frame.
- step 04
Begin to refine the details of the figure, paying attention to the folds of the fabric and the contours of the face.
- step 05
Add details to the balcony and window, including the railings and the architectural elements.
- step 06
Develop the background, creating a sense of depth and atmosphere with subtle variations in color and tone.
- step 07
Add highlights and shadows to create a sense of volume and form.
- step 08
Refine the overall composition, adjusting colors and values as needed to create a harmonious and balanced image.
color palette
primary · ivory black · titanium white · yellow ochre · raw umber
secondary · cadmium red light · viridian
Achieve the muted tones by mixing the primary colors with white and small amounts of the secondary colors. Use thin glazes to create subtle color variations.
techniques
- ·broken color
- ·scumbling
- ·glazing
- ·alla prima
- ·atmospheric perspective
common pitfalls
- →Overworking the details, resulting in a stiff and unnatural appearance.
- →Failing to establish a clear sense of light and shadow.
- →Using colors that are too saturated, resulting in a garish and unrealistic image.
- →Losing the overall composition by focusing too much on individual details.
materials
surface · stretched canvas
required
- ·stretched canvas 12x16
- ·ivory black oil paint
- ·titanium white oil paint
- ·yellow ochre oil paint
- ·raw umber oil paint
- ·round brushes (sizes 2, 4, 6)
- ·linseed oil
- ·odorless mineral spirits
optional
- ·palette knife
- ·medium gloss
- ·easel
Use high-quality oil paints for best results. Prepare the canvas with gesso before painting.
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