PA I N T I N G P R O G R A M

Figure Painting Phase I:

Cast Female Front–Monochrome

OVERVIEW
This technique you are most likely already familiar with. It is the Burnt Umber and Titanium White
palette. We will be painting from a photo of a plaster cast. Now obviously, it would be ideal for each
one of you to have access to the same cast, but that is not likely to happen. Instead, I would like you to
use this exercise first. Get your sea legs, as the old expression goes, then try to replicate this approach
from an actual cast. If you are close to a nice museum, see if you can get permission to go in, set up,
and paint. Many museums have this sort of program. Otherwise, save up–chip in with some friends,
so you can buy a few.

Preserving the Traditions of the Masters

© Watts Atelier of the Arts, LLC, 2013 www.wattsatelier.com 1
 PA I N T I N G P R O G R A M
Figure Painting Phase I:
Cast Female Front–Monochrome

PAPER TOWELS
BURNT UMBER

TITANIUM WHITE
GAMSOL
WORKABLE FIXATIVE

SOLVENT CONTAINER

ERASER

KNEADED
ERASER
CANVAS PANEL
HB PENCIL
BRUSH ASSORTMENT (SYNTHETIC or REAL)

MATERIAL S MISCELLANEOUS
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PAINTS ‡2OGUDJV
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BRUSHES ‡*UDSKLWH+%SHQFLO
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SURFACE ‡*HW\RXUVHWXSRUJDQL]HG
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 DYRLGFKHDSVWXGHQWJUDGH ‡6WDUWSDLQWLQJ
‡/DVWO\\RXVKRXOGEHKDYLQJIXQ

Preserving the Traditions of the Masters

© Watts Atelier of the Arts, LLC, 2013 www.wattsatelier.com 2
1
 PA I N T I N G P R O G R A M
Figure Painting Phase I:
Cast Female Front–Monochrome

ASSIGNMENT 1: CAST FEMALE FRONT–MONOCHROME

In this lesson, emphasis will be placed on value, edge, and shape control. Keep an eye on your
brushmanship as well.

Part 1: Watch video content.

Part 2: Scan over the handouts for further explanations and tips.

1) Start with a well-prepared drawing. Refer to mine for the look and feel.

2) Next is the stain. Let it set up for 5 to 10 minutes.

3) Add the mid-tones, working your way around the painting.

4) Once the painting is complete or covered, go back over your effort making fine adjust-
ments until the desired look is obtained.

- TIP -
Suggested Reading:
When painting from the actual cast rather than a photo,
you pick up on the sense of atmosphere and space. In
‡Oil Painting Techniques
my opinion, you will derive almost the same from
and Materials
working from the photo. Don’t worry about this. Try to
Harold Speed
work from a real cast occasionally and compare your
experiences.

Preserving the Traditions of the Masters

© Watts Atelier of the Arts, LLC, 2013 www.wattsatelier.com 3
 PA I N T I N G P R O G R A M
Figure Painting Phase I:
Cast Female Front–Monochrome

This is a fairly straightforward exercise.

Many people have asked how we are
going to get casts for everyone. I will be
showing you how to approach painting
a cast from a photo. The process would
not change if the actual cast was right
in front of you. There is something kind
of special that happens when you are
working from a three-dimensional ob-
ject with volume and atmosphere. That
is inarguable, but it simply is not always
possible.

START

As mentioned above, don’t worry about not

having an actual cast. Down the road, you
can work at one of the museum collections
if you find it necessary. Fun but not manda-
tory, in my opinion. Start working the half-
tones over your initial stain. Take your time
to locate the darkest-darks working up to
your lights.

MID-TONES

As you work your modeling up, stay

present and focused. This should be a
bit easier if you have already done the
Phase I Portrait Painting or Still Life.
Embrace the monochromes, they are
full of great learning possibilities. We
will be on to color in the next phase.
Good luck.

FINISH

Preserving the Traditions of the Masters

© Watts Atelier of the Arts, LLC, 2013 www.wattsatelier.com 4
 PA I N T I N G P R O G R A M
Figure Painting Phase I:
Cast Female Front–Monochrome

Preserving the Traditions of the Masters

© Watts Atelier of the Arts, LLC, 2013 www.wattsatelier.com 5
 PA I N T I N G P R O G R A M
Figure Painting Phase I:
Cast Female Front–Monochrome

Preserving the Traditions of the Masters

© Watts Atelier of the Arts, LLC, 2013 www.wattsatelier.com 6
 PA I N T I N G P R O G R A M
Figure Painting Phase I:
Cast Female Front–Monochrome

Preserving the Traditions of the Masters

© Watts Atelier of the Arts, LLC, 2013 www.wattsatelier.com 7