plate no. 1671
Woman Taken in Adultery
Gabriel Metsu, 1653
some experience helpful
Recreating this painting will help students develop skills in figure painting, drapery, and creating a sense of depth through atmospheric perspective. It also provides practice in rendering different textures and skin tones.
technical profile
palette complexity
4
brushwork visibility
3
value contrast
4
compositional simplicity
3
study guide
est. 20 hrsapproach — 8 steps
- step 01
Begin with a light sketch outlining the main figures and architectural elements.
- step 02
Establish the overall value structure with a thin wash of burnt umber or a similar earth tone.
- step 03
Block in the main colors of the figures' clothing and skin tones, focusing on accurate color mixing.
- step 04
Develop the background architecture, paying attention to the subtle shifts in value and color.
- step 05
Refine the figures' features and drapery folds, adding highlights and shadows to create form.
- step 06
Add details such as the books, weapons, and other accessories.
- step 07
Glaze over areas to unify the color palette and create a sense of atmosphere.
- step 08
Add final highlights and details to bring the painting to life.
color palette
primary · burnt umber · titanium white · cadmium red · ultramarine blue
secondary · yellow ochre · ivory black
Achieve skin tones by mixing white, red, yellow ochre, and a touch of blue. Use glazes of burnt umber and ultramarine to create shadows and depth.
techniques
- ·glazing
- ·scumbling
- ·chiaroscuro
- ·figure drawing
- ·drapery rendering
common pitfalls
- →Overworking the details too early in the process.
- →Failing to establish a strong value structure.
- →Using colors that are too saturated.
- →Ignoring the subtle shifts in color and value in the background.
materials
surface · stretched canvas
required
- ·stretched canvas 18x24
- ·burnt umber oil paint
- ·titanium white oil paint
- ·cadmium red oil paint
- ·ultramarine blue oil paint
- ·yellow ochre oil paint
- ·round brushes (sizes 2, 4, 6)
- ·linseed oil
optional
- ·palette knife
- ·medium gloss
- ·ivory black oil paint
Use high-quality oil paints for best results. A medium such as linseed oil can be used to thin the paints and improve blending.
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