plate no. 5715

Alexander the Great and Campaspe in the Studio of Apelles

oil, canvasRococohistory paintingfiguresartiststudioclassicaldraperystatue

experienced study

Recreating this painting will help students develop skills in figure drawing, drapery rendering, and creating a sense of depth through atmospheric perspective. It also provides practice in capturing the subtle nuances of light and shadow in a complex scene.

technical profile

palette complexity

brushwork visibility

value contrast

compositional simplicity

study guide

est. 30 hrs

approach — 8 steps

step 01
Begin with a light sketch to establish the overall composition and placement of figures and objects.
step 02
Block in the main areas of color, focusing on the large shapes and value relationships.
step 03
Refine the figures, paying attention to anatomy and drapery folds.
step 04
Develop the background elements, using atmospheric perspective to create depth.
step 05
Add details to the faces, clothing, and other objects.
step 06
Work on the light and shadow, creating a sense of volume and form.
step 07
Refine the edges and blend the colors to create a smooth, painterly effect.
step 08
Add final highlights and details to complete the painting.

color palette

primary · burnt umber · raw sienna · titanium white · cadmium red

secondary · ultramarine blue · yellow ochre · ivory black

Achieve skin tones by mixing white, red, and a touch of yellow ochre or burnt umber. Use ultramarine blue and burnt umber to create dark shadows and neutral tones.

techniques

·figure drawing
·drapery rendering
·atmospheric perspective
·chiaroscuro
·glazing

common pitfalls

→Incorrect proportions of figures.
→Overworking the details too early.
→Failing to create a sense of depth.
→Inconsistent light source.

materials

surface · stretched canvas

required

·stretched canvas 24x36
·oil paints (burnt umber, raw sienna, titanium white, cadmium red, ultramarine blue, yellow ochre, ivory black)
·linseed oil
·turpentine
·palette
·assorted brushes (round, flat, filbert)
·palette knife
·rags