plate no. 7363

Approaching Storm

oilAcademicismgenre paintingfigureslandscapestormskyclothingbasket

experienced study

Recreating this painting will help students develop skills in figure painting, including anatomy and drapery, as well as atmospheric perspective and rendering of stormy skies. Students will also learn to create a sense of drama and narrative through composition and lighting.

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 figures and the landscape.
step 02
Establish the background with a thin wash of muted colors, paying attention to the atmospheric perspective.
step 03
Block in the main shapes of the figures, using simplified forms and values.
step 04
Develop the details of the faces, hands, and clothing, gradually refining the forms and adding highlights and shadows.
step 05
Add the details of the landscape, including the trees, rocks, and distant buildings.
step 06
Create the stormy sky with dynamic brushstrokes and a range of grays and blues.
step 07
Add the lightning bolts and other atmospheric effects to enhance the drama of the scene.
step 08
Refine the overall painting, paying attention to the balance of colors, values, and textures.

color palette

primary · titanium white · raw umber · burnt sienna · ultramarine blue

secondary · cadmium red · yellow ochre · viridian

Mix various shades of gray by combining white, umber, and blue. Achieve skin tones by blending white, sienna, and a touch of red. Create atmospheric perspective by adding white to distant colors.

techniques