plate no. 1309

Cardinal Mazarin Dying

Paul Delaroche, 1830

oil, canvasAcademicismhistory paintingfiguresinteriorbedcarpetchandelierhistorical

study guide

est. 40 hrs

approach — 8 steps

step 01
Begin with a light sketch to establish the overall composition and perspective of the room.
step 02
Block in the main shapes and forms, focusing on the large areas of color and value.
step 03
Establish the darkest and lightest areas to create a sense of depth and dimension.
step 04
Start refining the details of the figures, paying attention to their anatomy and clothing.
step 05
Add details to the architectural elements, such as the ceiling, walls, and furniture.
step 06
Work on the textures of the fabrics, using different brushstrokes and techniques.
step 07
Refine the lighting and shadows to create a sense of atmosphere and drama.
step 08
Add final details and highlights to complete the painting.

color palette

primary · red · brown · gold · white

secondary · blue · green · black · ivory

Achieve the rich reds by mixing crimson with burnt sienna and a touch of black. Create the gold tones by mixing yellow ochre with burnt umber and white. Use glazes to build up the depth of color in the shadows.

techniques

·glazing
·scumbling
·chiaroscuro
·rendering fabric
·figure drawing

common pitfalls

→Incorrect perspective can ruin the sense of depth.
→Overworking the details can make the painting look stiff.
→Poor value control can flatten the image.
→Inaccurate figure proportions will detract from the realism.

materials

surface · stretched canvas

required

·Stretched canvas 24x36
·Oil paints: titanium white, ivory black, burnt umber, burnt sienna, yellow ochre, cadmium red, ultramarine blue
·Round brushes (sizes 2, 4, 6)
·Flat brushes (sizes 4, 8)
·Palette
·Linseed oil
·Odorless mineral spirits
·Palette knife