plate no. 8076
Beati Possidentes (Blessed are those who have)
Adolph Menzel, 1888
study guide
est. 30 hrsapproach — 8 steps
- step 01
Begin with a light sketch to establish the overall composition and placement of figures and key elements.
- step 02
Block in the main shapes and colors, focusing on the large areas of tone and value.
- step 03
Develop the background elements, paying attention to atmospheric perspective and softening details.
- step 04
Refine the figures, adding details to their clothing and facial features.
- step 05
Work on the architectural elements, focusing on accurate perspective and details.
- step 06
Add the intricate details of the tree branches and foliage.
- step 07
Adjust the values and colors to create depth and harmony.
- 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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