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

Figure Painting Phase I:

Cast Male Back–Monochrome

OVERVIEW
This lesson will reiterate the old saying, “What we do to one side, we will also do to the other.” Keep
what you just learned close at hand, and now set out to tackle the back pose. This should be a little
easier as you will not have to work up the back tilted head the way you have to in the front pose. Take
note as you are modeling the forms of the back to keep an observational eye on the various forms.
Although you don’t yet know the names of them all– we will get to that in the anatomy phase– it is
important to start memorizing their shapes on different body types so you can cross-reference it on
later efforts.

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
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Preserving the Traditions of the Masters

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 PA I N T I N G P R O G R A M
Figure Painting Phase I:
Cast Male Back–Monochrome

ASSIGNMENT 4: CAST MALE BACK–MONOCHROME

In this lesson, keep your focus on controlling your edges, values, and shape relationships. I know I
sound like a bit of a broken record, but repetition is the mother of skill. Get in there, and tackle
this back.

Part 1: Push play, and watch the video.

Part 2: Now, work through your handouts.

1) Start by getting the drawing under control. Follow the same protocol.

2) As you stain your surface, look over the forms, and make a mental note of where it is
going to be tough.

3) Take your time working up the layers. Try to work methodically, almost like a machine.

Note: You’ve heard me talk about SIPDE:

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Part 3: Bring up the painting to as close of a finish as you can. I would do one of these in a week, but
ultimately you will be responsible for your own pace.

Suggested Reading: - TIP -

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‡Oil Painting Techniques anatomy is not entirely up to snuff–that’s okay. Try to
and Materials start remembering the forms as best you can. Later, we
Harold Speed can assign a name and function to them.

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 Male Back–Monochrome

Start with your solid drawing sprayed

with fixative. Go over this drawing with
a diluted stain, value #5. This back
pose should be a little easier.

START

Work up the mid-tones, squinting down

so as to not see too much detail. Once you
have your general masses successfully
working, you can open your eyes to take
in more information.

MID-TONES

As you bring the piece up to a finish,

concentrate on SIPDE. Work your edges
until you feel satisfied.

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 Male Back–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 Male Back–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 Male Back–Monochrome

Preserving the Traditions of the Masters

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