plate no. 7161

Bengal Lancers Returning from Port Arthur After the Capture of Neuve Chapelle (10 April 1915)

Fortunino Matania, 1915

oilRealismillustrationhorsessoldiersfiguresroadlandscapesky

experienced study

This painting offers practice in rendering realistic figures and horses in motion, as well as creating atmospheric perspective to suggest depth. Students will also develop skills in value control to create form and light.

technical profile

palette complexity

brushwork visibility

value contrast

compositional simplicity

study guide

est. 15 hrs

approach — 8 steps

step 01
Lightly sketch the basic composition, focusing on the placement of the horses and riders.
step 02
Establish the horizon line and the receding perspective of the road.
step 03
Block in the main shapes of the horses and riders with mid-tone grays.
step 04
Add darker values to define the forms and create shadows.
step 05
Introduce lighter values to highlight the horses and riders, paying attention to the light source.
step 06
Refine the details of the faces, clothing, and horse tack.
step 07
Add reflections on the wet road surface.
step 08
Soften edges and blend values to create a sense of atmosphere.

color palette

primary · ivory black · titanium white · raw umber

secondary · payne's gray · yellow ochre

Mix various shades of gray by combining black and white. Add small amounts of raw umber or yellow ochre to warm the grays slightly. Payne's gray can be used for cooler shadows.

techniques