plate no. 3923
A Dirge
experienced study
Recreating this painting will help students develop skills in layering colors to create depth and atmosphere, as well as rendering complex textures like tree bark and fabric folds. It also provides practice in depicting figures in a landscape setting.
technical profile
palette complexity
4
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 trees and figures.
- step 02
Establish the overall color scheme with a thin wash of warm and cool tones.
- step 03
Begin layering in the darker values in the trees and figures, paying attention to the light source.
- step 04
Develop the textures of the tree bark and foliage using varied brushstrokes.
- step 05
Refine the details of the figures' robes and faces.
- step 06
Add highlights to create a sense of depth and dimension.
- step 07
Pay attention to the atmospheric perspective, making distant elements softer and less defined.
- step 08
Add final details and adjust values as needed.
color palette
primary · burnt umber · yellow ochre · sap green · ultramarine blue
secondary · cadmium red · titanium white · ivory black
Achieve the greens by mixing yellow ochre and ultramarine blue, adjusting the ratio for warmer or cooler tones. Mix burnt umber and ivory black for the dark robes, adding touches of ultramarine for depth. Use cadmium red and titanium white to create the pinkish hues in the figures' garments.
techniques
- ·layering
- ·glazing
- ·dry brushing
- ·scumbling
- ·atmospheric perspective
common pitfalls
- →Overworking the details too early in the process.
- →Failing to establish a strong value structure.
- →Ignoring the atmospheric perspective, making distant elements too sharp.
- →Using colors straight from the tube without mixing them.
materials
surface · stretched canvas
required
- ·stretched canvas 18x24
- ·burnt umber oil paint
- ·yellow ochre oil paint
- ·ultramarine blue oil paint
- ·sap green oil paint
- ·cadmium red oil paint
- ·titanium white oil paint
- ·assorted round and flat brushes
optional
- ·palette knife
- ·linseed oil
- ·turpentine
- ·medium gloss
Use a medium-grit canvas for better texture. Consider using a toned ground to unify the colors.
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