plate no. 0479
Capital Punishment
Émile Friant, 1908
experienced study
Recreating this painting will help students develop skills in depicting complex scenes with many figures, as well as mastering subtle value gradations to create atmospheric perspective. Students will also learn how to create a focal point within a busy composition.
technical profile
palette complexity
4
brushwork visibility
3
value contrast
4
compositional simplicity
2
study guide
est. 40 hrsapproach — 8 steps
- step 01
Create a preliminary sketch to establish the composition and proportions of the figures and objects.
- step 02
Block in the main shapes and values using a limited palette of earth tones.
- step 03
Establish the light source and begin to develop the highlights and shadows on the figures and buildings.
- step 04
Refine the details of the figures, paying attention to facial expressions and clothing.
- step 05
Add the background details, such as the cityscape and the soldiers.
- step 06
Develop the atmospheric perspective by using lighter values and softer edges in the distance.
- step 07
Add final details and highlights to create a sense of realism.
- step 08
Glaze with thin layers of color to unify the painting and create depth.
color palette
primary · burnt umber · raw sienna · ivory black · titanium white
secondary · cadmium red · yellow ochre · ultramarine blue
Mix various shades of brown and gray by combining burnt umber, raw sienna, ivory black, and titanium white. Use small amounts of cadmium red and yellow ochre to add warmth to the flesh tones and buildings. Add ultramarine blue to create cooler grays for the background.
techniques
- ·underpainting
- ·glazing
- ·scumbling
- ·chiaroscuro
- ·atmospheric perspective
common pitfalls
- →Getting lost in the details too early.
- →Failing to establish a strong value structure.
- →Overworking the painting and losing the freshness of the initial layers.
- →Ignoring the principles of atmospheric perspective.
materials
surface · stretched canvas
required
- ·stretched canvas 24x36
- ·burnt umber oil paint
- ·raw sienna oil paint
- ·ivory black oil paint
- ·titanium white oil paint
- ·round brushes (sizes 2, 4, 6)
- ·flat brushes (sizes 8, 10)
- ·linseed oil
optional
- ·palette knife
- ·turpentine
- ·retouch varnish
Use a medium-grain canvas for best results. Consider using a toned canvas to speed up the underpainting process.
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