plate no. 9399

A British raid on the German lines through clouds of poison gas (1st July 1916)

Fortunino Matania, 1916

pencil, pen, ink, wash, boardRealismillustrationsoldiersgas maskssmokebarbed wireweaponswar

experienced study

Recreating this painting will help students develop skills in rendering complex scenes with multiple figures and atmospheric effects, as well as understanding value relationships to create depth and form.

technical profile

palette complexity

brushwork visibility

value contrast

compositional simplicity

study guide

est. 15 hrs

approach — 8 steps

step 01
Begin with a light sketch outlining the main figures and compositional elements.
step 02
Establish the darkest and lightest values to create a foundation for the tonal range.
step 03
Block in the mid-tones, focusing on the overall shapes and forms of the figures and objects.
step 04
Develop the atmospheric perspective by layering lighter values in the background to create depth.
step 05
Add details to the figures, including the gas masks, weapons, and uniforms.
step 06
Render the smoke and barbed wire, paying attention to their intricate shapes and textures.
step 07
Refine the values and details throughout the painting, ensuring a cohesive and balanced composition.
step 08
Add final highlights and shadows to enhance the sense of depth and realism.

color palette

primary · ivory black · payne's gray · titanium white

secondary · raw umber · burnt umber

Mix various shades of gray by combining ivory black and titanium white. Use raw and burnt umber to add subtle warmth to certain areas.

techniques

·value study
·atmospheric perspective
·dry brushing
·scumbling
·rendering

common pitfalls

→Overworking the details too early in the process.
→Failing to establish a strong value structure.
→Ignoring the atmospheric perspective, resulting in a flat composition.
→Getting lost in the complexity of the scene and losing sight of the overall composition.