plate no. 1505

An Eagle, a Cockerell, Hens, a Pigeon in Flight and Other Birds

oilBaroqueanimal paintingbirdschickensroosterpigeonlandscapefoliage

experienced study

Recreating this painting will help students develop skills in rendering textures of feathers and foliage, as well as understanding complex compositions with multiple subjects. It also offers practice in capturing dynamic poses of animals in motion.

technical profile

palette complexity

brushwork visibility

value contrast

compositional simplicity

study guide

est. 25 hrs

approach — 8 steps

step 01
Sketch the basic composition, focusing on the placement and proportions of the main birds and landscape elements.
step 02
Establish the background with thin washes of color, starting with the sky and distant landscape.
step 03
Block in the main shapes and colors of the birds, paying attention to their individual forms and poses.
step 04
Begin adding details to the birds, such as feather textures, eye highlights, and leg details.
step 05
Develop the foliage and ground details, using a variety of brushstrokes to create texture and depth.
step 06
Refine the lighting and shadows throughout the painting, adding highlights and deepening dark areas to create contrast.
step 07
Add final details, such as small chicks, insects, and subtle color variations.
step 08
Review the overall composition and make any necessary adjustments to ensure a cohesive and balanced image.

color palette

primary · burnt umber · yellow ochre · titanium white · ivory black

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

Achieve the subtle variations in feather colors by mixing small amounts of secondary colors into the primary earth tones. Use white to create highlights and black to deepen shadows.

techniques

·glazing
·dry brushing
·scumbling
·feathering
·chiaroscuro

common pitfalls

→Overworking the details too early in the process.
→Failing to establish a strong value structure.
→Ignoring the subtle color variations in the feathers and foliage.
→Losing the dynamic poses of the birds.

materials

surface · stretched canvas

required

·stretched canvas 18x24
·oil paints (burnt umber, yellow ochre, titanium white, ivory black, cadmium red, ultramarine blue)
·linseed oil
·turpentine or odorless mineral spirits
·assorted round and flat brushes
·palette
·palette knife
·rags