plate no. 0636

You are Not Forgotten

oilSocial Realismsymbolic paintingfigurestreebuildingskygroundbench

experienced study

Recreating this painting will help students develop skills in portraiture, figure drawing, and creating realistic textures. It also requires careful planning of composition and value to guide the viewer's eye.

technical profile

palette complexity

brushwork visibility

value contrast

compositional simplicity

study guide

est. 40 hrs

approach — 8 steps

step 01
Create a preliminary sketch to establish the composition and placement of figures and the White House.
step 02
Block in the main shapes and colors of the background trees and sky.
step 03
Establish the basic values and skin tones for the figures, focusing on the central figures first.
step 04
Refine the details of the faces, clothing, and accessories, paying attention to light and shadow.
step 05
Add details to the White House, ensuring accurate perspective and architectural features.
step 06
Develop the texture of the ground and the small tree being planted.
step 07
Add final highlights and shadows to enhance the realism and depth of the painting.
step 08
Varnish the painting to protect it and enhance the colors.

color palette

primary · ivory black · burnt umber · yellow ochre · titanium white

secondary · ultramarine blue · cadmium red · sap green

Mix various shades of brown and gray for the figures' clothing and the ground. Use white to lighten colors and create highlights. Mix blue and white for the sky, and green and yellow for the trees.

techniques

·portraiture
·figure drawing
·glazing
·scumbling
·atmospheric perspective

common pitfalls

→Incorrect proportions of figures.
→Inaccurate skin tones.
→Lack of depth in the background.
→Overworking details before establishing values.

materials

surface · stretched canvas

required

·stretched canvas 24x36
·oil paints (ivory black, burnt umber, yellow ochre, titanium white, ultramarine blue, cadmium red, sap green)
·palette
·palette knife
·assorted brushes (round, flat, filbert)
·linseed oil
·turpentine
·rags