plate no. 7994
Ad Astra
Akseli Gallen-Kallela, 1907
some experience helpful
Recreating this painting will help students develop skills in blending skin tones and creating atmospheric perspective. The hair provides an opportunity to practice rendering complex, flowing forms.
technical profile
palette complexity
3
brushwork visibility
2
value contrast
3
compositional simplicity
4
study guide
est. 15 hrsapproach — 8 steps
- step 01
Sketch the basic composition, focusing on the figure's pose and the placement of the moon and horizon line.
- step 02
Block in the background colors: the dark blue of the sky and the reddish-brown of the water.
- step 03
Establish the basic skin tones of the figure, paying attention to the subtle variations in light and shadow.
- step 04
Begin rendering the hair, using thin layers of paint to create the flowing strands.
- step 05
Add the highlights and shadows to the figure, refining the form and creating depth.
- step 06
Paint the moon, using gold or yellow paint to create a luminous effect.
- step 07
Add the stars to the sky, using small dots of white or light yellow paint.
- step 08
Refine the details of the water, adding subtle variations in color and texture.
color palette
primary · titanium white · ultramarine blue · burnt umber · yellow ochre
secondary · cadmium red · gold
Skin tones can be achieved by mixing white, yellow ochre, and a touch of red and umber. The dark blue sky is ultramarine with a touch of burnt umber. The water is primarily burnt umber with white and red mixed in.
techniques
- ·blending
- ·glazing
- ·scumbling
- ·rendering
- ·atmospheric perspective
common pitfalls
- →Overblending skin tones, resulting in a flat, lifeless appearance.
- →Failing to create a sense of depth in the background.
- →Making the hair look too stiff or unnatural.
- →Inaccurate proportions of the figure
materials
surface · stretched canvas
required
- ·stretched canvas
- ·titanium white oil paint
- ·ultramarine blue oil paint
- ·burnt umber oil paint
- ·yellow ochre oil paint
- ·cadmium red oil paint
- ·round brushes (sizes 2, 4, 6)
- ·linseed oil
optional
- ·palette knife
- ·gold leaf
- ·retouch varnish
Use high-quality oil paints for best results. Consider using a medium to thin the paint and improve flow.
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