plate no. 5946

Battle of Ascalon, 18 November 1177

oilAcademicismhistory paintingfiguressoldiershorsescastleflagslandscape

advanced study

Recreating this painting will help students develop skills in figure drawing, perspective, and creating depth through atmospheric perspective. It also provides practice in rendering textures like metal and fabric.

technical profile

palette complexity

brushwork visibility

value contrast

compositional simplicity

study guide

est. 40 hrs

approach — 8 steps

step 01
Begin with a light sketch to establish the overall composition and placement of major elements.
step 02
Block in the main shapes and values, focusing on the large masses of figures and the castle.
step 03
Establish the background sky and distant landscape using thin washes of color.
step 04
Develop the figures in the foreground, paying attention to anatomy and proportions.
step 05
Add details to the clothing, armor, and weapons, using smaller brushes.
step 06
Refine the lighting and shadows to create depth and dimension.
step 07
Add highlights to create a sense of realism and drama.
step 08
Make final adjustments to the colors and values to achieve a cohesive and balanced composition.

color palette

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

secondary · cadmium red · ultramarine blue · yellow ochre · raw sienna

Mix various shades of brown and gray by combining burnt umber, ivory black, and titanium white. Use ochre and yellow ochre for the golden tones of the clothing and castle. Mix red and brown for the skin tones.

techniques

·figure drawing
·atmospheric perspective
·glazing
·scumbling
·dry brushing

common pitfalls

→Incorrect proportions in figures
→Lack of depth in the landscape
→Overly saturated colors
→Ignoring the light source
→Getting lost in details too early

materials

surface · stretched canvas

required

·Stretched canvas 24x36
·Oil paints (ochre, burnt umber, ivory black, titanium white, cadmium red, ultramarine blue, yellow ochre, raw sienna)
·Palette
·Assorted brushes (round, flat, filbert)
·Linseed oil
·Odorless mineral spirits
·Palette knife
·Rags