plate no. 8434

A Soul in Hell

Evelyn De Morgan, 1910

oilRomanticismsymbolic paintingfiguregardentreesflowerslandscapestatue

experienced study

Recreating this painting will help students develop skills in rendering complex drapery, creating depth through atmospheric perspective, and capturing intricate details in foliage and architectural elements.

technical profile

palette complexity

brushwork visibility

value contrast

compositional simplicity

study guide

est. 30 hrs

approach — 8 steps

step 01
Sketch the basic composition, focusing on the placement of the figure, bench, and surrounding landscape.
step 02
Establish the main color blocks for the sky, trees, and ground, using thin washes.
step 03
Begin layering the figure's robe, paying attention to the folds and highlights.
step 04
Develop the details of the bench, including the lion heads and decorative elements.
step 05
Add the foliage, starting with the larger shapes and gradually adding smaller details.
step 06
Refine the figure's features and expression, paying close attention to the light and shadow.
step 07
Add the final details, such as the flowers, jewelry, and subtle atmospheric effects.
step 08
Glaze to unify the colors and add depth.

color palette

primary · yellow ochre · burnt umber · titanium white · alizarin crimson

secondary · ultramarine blue · sap green · cadmium red · raw sienna

Achieve the robe's golden hue by mixing yellow ochre with burnt umber and white, adjusting the proportions to create highlights and shadows. Mix greens for the foliage by combining ultramarine blue and yellow ochre, adding white to lighten the tones.

techniques

·glazing
·layering
·scumbling
·atmospheric perspective
·rendering drapery

common pitfalls

→overworking details too early
→flattening the drapery by not observing light and shadow
→inaccurate proportions of the figure
→muddying colors by overmixing

materials

surface · stretched canvas

required

·stretched canvas
·oil paints
·linseed oil
·turpentine
·assorted brushes (round and flat)
·palette
·palette knife

optional

·medium gloss
·retouch varnish
·easel

Use high-quality oil paints for richer colors and better blending. Consider using a medium to improve the flow of the paint and create smoother glazes.

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