plate no. 5511
Alexander the Great founding Alexandria
Placido Costanzi, 1737
experienced study
Recreating this painting will help students develop skills in figure drawing, drapery painting, and creating atmospheric perspective. It also provides practice in rendering complex compositions with multiple figures and architectural elements.
technical profile
palette complexity
4
brushwork visibility
3
value contrast
4
compositional simplicity
2
study guide
est. 40 hrsapproach — 8 steps
- step 01
Create a preliminary sketch to establish the composition and placement of figures and architectural elements.
- step 02
Block in the main shapes and colors, focusing on the overall value structure.
- step 03
Develop the figures, paying attention to anatomy, drapery, and facial expressions.
- step 04
Add details to the architecture, including the scaffolding and the city in the background.
- step 05
Refine the sky and clouds, creating a sense of depth and atmosphere.
- step 06
Glaze shadows and highlights to enhance form and create a sense of luminosity.
- step 07
Add final details and adjustments to unify the painting.
- step 08
Varnish the painting after it is completely dry.
color palette
primary · red ochre · ultramarine blue · titanium white · yellow ochre
secondary · burnt umber · raw sienna · cadmium yellow light · ivory black
Achieve skin tones by mixing red ochre, yellow ochre, and titanium white. Create atmospheric perspective by adding blue and white to distant colors.
techniques
- ·glazing
- ·scumbling
- ·chiaroscuro
- ·figure drawing
- ·drapery painting
common pitfalls
- →Incorrect proportions in figures
- →muddy colors
- →lack of atmospheric perspective
- →overworking details
materials
surface · stretched canvas
required
- ·stretched canvas
- ·oil paints
- ·turpentine
- ·linseed oil
- ·palette
- ·assorted brushes
- ·palette knife
optional
- ·medium gloss
- ·retouch varnish
- ·easel
- ·mahl stick
Use high-quality oil paints for best results. Allow each layer to dry before applying the next.
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