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

Figure Painting Phase II:

Female Three-Quarter–Adding Color

OVERVIEW
In this lesson, we will tackle a three-quarter pose of a female. The same advice will go for all of these
paintings in Phase II. The overall goal is to get you very comfortable with this technique so you can
apply it in your life classes. You will need ideally a 6-hour class with which to execute one of these
from life.

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 II:
Female Three-Quarter–Adding Color

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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 II:
Female Three-Quarter–Adding Color

ASSIGNMENT 2: FEMALE THREE-QUARTER–ADDING COLOR

In this lesson, we will again reiterate the importance of this technique. Once you have executed a
few, your confidence will start to really show. Stick in there as these are preparing us for yet another
jump in palettes–to the warm/cool palette. We are working on mastery of each one.

Part 1: Watch the video. You may want to watch the underpainting first, then stop and execute it.
After that, move on to the color portion.

Part 2: Read over the handouts. Print or work from the provided reference on your iPad or similar
method.

Part 3: Start your drawing. Spend at least a couple of hours securing a nice, clean, accurate drawing,
and then seal it with fixative.

Part 4: Begin your stain of Burnt Umber and execute your pick-out.

Note: notice how I drop the temperature and value a bit towards the bottom of the painting. This
helps direct the viewer back to the top where you want them.

Part 5: Apply color over your underpainting.

Part 6: Bring up to a finish. Keep referring back to the video as much as is needed.

Suggested Reading: - TIP -

‡Mastering the Craft of Painting
Angelo John Grado
Watch the head tilt on this one. I remember this giving
me some real fits. Watch the neck width so it doesn’t
start looking like a bobble doll. She has a very square
jaw which could look masculine if not drawn carefully.
Use my drawing to cross-reference yours. Good luck.

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 II:
Female Three-Quarter–Adding Color

As I often say, a good finish always

starts in the drawing. Stay focused, and
channel what you learned in the earlier
drawing phases. Then, fix your drawing,
and lay-in your initial Burnt Umber
stain.

START

Now that you have the Burnt Umber

starting to set up a bit, you can begin
adding and subtracting. Sometimes, you
need to wait a bit while the turpentine
evaporates. Be patient, and keep working
around the whole piece.

MID-TONES

Try your best to accurately depict the

values. Just know, the photo is always
going to be a bit wanting. You would
get a better image if you use your iPad,
but either method will work.

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 II:
Female Three-Quarter–Adding Color

As you start your color phase, you may

want to begin with the head which I do
often. One thing to keep in mind if you
are a bit cold, you can always start with
the background, drapery, etc., around
the figure. Use your best judgment.

START

This model is quite alabaster, so a bit

more white will be added to your mix-
tures. To keep it from getting too “milky”
or “chalky,” add a bit of color back into
your mixture after adding the white.

MID-TONES

As you bring the painting up to a finish,

try to refrain from covering every bit of
your underpainting. This can be challen-
ging but worth the effort. The old axiom,
“load your lights and thin your darks” is
always a good motto. Great job–now
on to the next one.

FINISH

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 II:
Female Three-Quarter–Adding Color

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 II:
Female Three-Quarter–Adding Color

Preserving the Traditions of the Masters

© Watts Atelier of the Arts, LLC, 2013 www.wattsatelier.com 7
 PA I N T I N G P R O G R A M
Figure Painting Phase II:
Female Three-Quarter–Adding Color

Preserving the Traditions of the Masters

© Watts Atelier of the Arts, LLC, 2013 www.wattsatelier.com 8
 PA I N T I N G P R O G R A M
Figure Painting Phase II:
Female Three-Quarter–Adding Color

Preserving the Traditions of the Masters

© Watts Atelier of the Arts, LLC, 2013 www.wattsatelier.com 9