plate no. 2458
Young herder with flock
Vaclav Brozik, 1877
some experience helpful
Recreating this painting will help students develop skills in atmospheric perspective, creating depth through value and color changes, and rendering realistic figures and animals in a landscape setting. It also provides practice in glazing and layering to achieve subtle tonal variations.
technical profile
palette complexity
3
brushwork visibility
3
value contrast
4
compositional simplicity
3
study guide
est. 20 hrsapproach — 8 steps
- step 01
Sketch the basic composition, focusing on the placement of the shepherdess, sheep, and horizon line.
- step 02
Establish the overall value structure with a thin wash of burnt umber or similar earth tone.
- step 03
Block in the sky and ground, paying attention to the light source and atmospheric perspective.
- step 04
Begin adding details to the sheep, focusing on their forms and the variations in their wool.
- step 05
Paint the shepherdess, paying attention to the folds of her clothing and the light and shadow on her face.
- step 06
Add the dog and any other minor details, such as the distant trees.
- step 07
Refine the values and colors throughout the painting, using glazes to create depth and richness.
- step 08
Add final highlights and details to bring the painting to life.
color palette
primary · burnt umber · raw sienna · titanium white · ivory black
secondary · cadmium red · yellow ochre · ultramarine blue
Achieve the muted tones by mixing earth tones with white and small amounts of other colors. Use glazes of thinned paint to create depth and subtle color variations.
techniques
- ·atmospheric perspective
- ·glazing
- ·scumbling
- ·dry brushing
- ·value studies
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 principles of atmospheric perspective.
materials
surface · stretched canvas
required
- ·stretched canvas (18x24 inches)
- ·oil paints (burnt umber, raw sienna, titanium white, ivory black, yellow ochre, cadmium red, ultramarine blue)
- ·linseed oil
- ·turpentine or odorless mineral spirits
- ·palette
- ·assorted brushes (round and flat)
- ·palette knife
- ·rags
optional
- ·medium gloss
- ·retouch varnish
- ·easel
Use a medium-tooth canvas for best results. Allow each layer of paint to dry before applying the next.
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