plate no. 8463
Ariadne
George Frederick Watts, 1890
some experience helpful
Recreating this painting will help students develop skills in rendering realistic drapery folds and creating atmospheric perspective in landscapes. It also provides practice in portraiture and figure drawing within a classical composition.
technical profile
palette complexity
4
brushwork visibility
4
value contrast
3
compositional simplicity
3
study guide
est. 20 hrsapproach — 8 steps
- step 01
Create a preliminary sketch to establish the composition and proportions of the figures and landscape.
- step 02
Block in the main shapes and colors using thin washes of paint.
- step 03
Begin building up the values and details in the figures, focusing on the light and shadow.
- step 04
Work on the drapery, paying attention to the folds and how they define the form.
- step 05
Develop the background landscape, using lighter values and softer edges to create depth.
- step 06
Refine the details of the foliage and other elements.
- step 07
Add final highlights and shadows to enhance the realism of the painting.
- step 08
Glaze with thin layers of color to unify the painting and create a sense of atmosphere.
color palette
primary · titanium white · raw umber · burnt sienna · yellow ochre
secondary · alizarin crimson · viridian green · ultramarine blue
Achieve the flesh tones by mixing titanium white, yellow ochre, and a touch of alizarin crimson. Create the drapery colors by mixing raw umber, burnt sienna, and titanium white. Use ultramarine blue and viridian green for the distant landscape.
techniques
- ·glazing
- ·scumbling
- ·chiaroscuro
- ·atmospheric perspective
- ·drapery rendering
common pitfalls
- →Overworking the details too early in the process.
- →Failing to establish a strong value structure.
- →Not paying enough attention to the proportions of the figures.
- →Using colors that are too saturated.
materials
surface · stretched canvas
required
- ·stretched canvas
- ·oil paints (titanium white, raw umber, burnt sienna, yellow ochre, alizarin crimson, viridian green, ultramarine blue)
- ·linseed oil
- ·turpentine
- ·palette
- ·assorted brushes (round and flat)
- ·palette knife
optional
- ·retouch varnish
- ·painting medium
- ·easel
Use high-quality oil paints for best results. Consider using a medium to improve the flow and drying time of the paint.
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