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home·artworks·Beati Possidentes (Blessed are those who have)
Beati Possidentes (Blessed are those who have) by Adolph Menzel

plate no. 8076

Beati Possidentes (Blessed are those who have)

Adolph Menzel, 1888

oilBiedermeiergenre paintingfigurestreesarchitecturebalconyladderfoliage
experienced study

Recreating this painting will help students develop skills in rendering complex figures in dynamic poses and creating depth through atmospheric perspective and subtle color variations. It also provides practice in depicting intricate details like tree branches and architectural elements.

technical profile

palette complexity
4
brushwork visibility
4
value contrast
3
compositional simplicity
2

study guide

est. 30 hrs

approach — 8 steps

  1. step 01

    Begin with a light sketch to establish the overall composition and placement of figures and key elements.

  2. step 02

    Block in the main shapes and colors, focusing on the large areas of tone and value.

  3. step 03

    Develop the background elements, paying attention to atmospheric perspective and softening details.

  4. step 04

    Refine the figures, adding details to their clothing and facial features.

  5. step 05

    Work on the architectural elements, focusing on accurate perspective and details.

  6. step 06

    Add the intricate details of the tree branches and foliage.

  7. step 07

    Adjust the values and colors to create depth and harmony.

  8. step 08

    Add final highlights and details to bring the painting to life.

color palette

primary · burnt umber · raw sienna · ivory black · titanium white

secondary · Prussian blue · yellow ochre · cadmium red light

Achieve the muted tones by mixing earth tones with white and small amounts of blue or red. Use glazes of transparent colors to create depth and luminosity.

techniques

  • ·figure drawing
  • ·atmospheric perspective
  • ·glazing
  • ·dry brushing
  • ·rendering fabric

common pitfalls

  • →Getting lost in the details too early.
  • →Failing to establish a strong value structure.
  • →Overworking the colors and losing the freshness.
  • →Inaccurate proportions of figures.
  • →Ignoring atmospheric perspective.

materials

surface · stretched canvas

required

  • ·stretched canvas 18x24
  • ·#2 round brush
  • ·#6 flat brush
  • ·#8 filbert brush
  • ·burnt umber oil paint
  • ·raw sienna oil paint
  • ·titanium white oil paint
  • ·palette

optional

  • ·palette knife
  • ·linseed oil
  • ·turpentine
  • ·medium gloss

Use high-quality oil paints for best results. Consider using a toned canvas to simplify the initial stages.

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oil painting for beginners →how to learn by studying the masters →
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