plate no. 8994
Aufbahrung der Märzgefallenen
Adolph Menzel, 1848
experienced study
Recreating this painting will help students develop skills in depicting large crowds, atmospheric perspective, and architectural details with loose brushwork. It also provides practice in creating a sense of depth and movement.
technical profile
palette complexity
4
brushwork visibility
4
value contrast
3
compositional simplicity
2
study guide
est. 20 hrsapproach — 8 steps
- step 01
Begin with a light sketch to establish the basic composition and perspective of the building and the crowd.
- step 02
Block in the main shapes and colors of the building, focusing on the overall structure and architectural details.
- step 03
Establish the sky and ground planes with broad washes of color, paying attention to the atmospheric perspective.
- step 04
Start adding the figures in the crowd, beginning with the larger shapes and gradually adding details.
- step 05
Use a variety of brushstrokes to create texture and visual interest in the crowd and the building.
- step 06
Pay attention to the light and shadow, and use value contrasts to create depth and dimension.
- step 07
Refine the details of the figures and the building, adding highlights and shadows to create a sense of realism.
- step 08
Add final touches and adjustments to the overall composition and color balance.
color palette
primary · yellow ochre · burnt umber · titanium white
secondary · Prussian blue · cadmium red light · raw sienna
Achieve the muted tones by mixing earth tones with white and small amounts of blue or red. Use thin washes for the sky and thicker paint for the figures and architecture.
techniques
- ·atmospheric perspective
- ·dry brushing
- ·scumbling
- ·broken color
- ·alla prima
common pitfalls
- →Getting bogged down in excessive detail too early.
- →Failing to establish a strong sense of perspective.
- →Using colors that are too bright or saturated.
- →Losing the overall composition in the details of the crowd.
materials
surface · stretched canvas
required
- ·Stretched canvas (18x24 inches)
- ·Oil paints (yellow ochre, burnt umber, titanium white, Prussian blue, cadmium red light, raw sienna)
- ·Assorted brushes (round, flat, filbert)
- ·Palette
- ·Linseed oil
- ·Odorless mineral spirits
- ·Palette knife
- ·Rags
optional
- ·Medium gloss
- ·Retarder
Use a medium-grit canvas to allow for texture. Consider using a toned canvas to establish a base color.
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