plate no. 0913

Cardinals Studying a Map

oilRomanticismgenre paintingfiguresinteriorbooksmapfurnitureglobe

some experience helpful

Recreating this painting will help students develop skills in rendering figures in complex drapery and creating a sense of depth through atmospheric perspective and subtle value shifts.

technical profile

palette complexity

brushwork visibility

value contrast

compositional simplicity

study guide

est. 20 hrs

approach — 8 steps

step 01
Lightly sketch the basic shapes and composition, focusing on the placement of the figures and furniture.
step 02
Establish the overall value structure with a thin wash of burnt umber or a similar earth tone.
step 03
Block in the main colors of the figures' robes, the furniture, and the background, paying attention to the light and shadow.
step 04
Begin to refine the details of the figures, including the faces, hands, and drapery folds.
step 05
Add details to the furniture, books, and map, using smaller brushes and finer strokes.
step 06
Create a sense of depth by softening the edges of objects in the background and adding atmospheric haze.
step 07
Glaze the painting with thin layers of color to unify the composition and enhance the colors.
step 08
Add final highlights and details to bring the painting to life.

color palette

primary · cadmium red · burnt umber · raw sienna

secondary · ivory black · titanium white · yellow ochre

Mix various shades of red by combining cadmium red with burnt umber and titanium white. Use raw sienna and yellow ochre to create warm highlights and earthy tones for the furniture and background. Add ivory black to darken the colors and create shadows.

techniques

·underpainting
·glazing
·scumbling
·chiaroscuro
·drapery rendering

common pitfalls

→Overworking the details too early in the process.
→Failing to establish a strong value structure.
→Using colors that are too saturated or bright.
→Ignoring the effects of atmospheric perspective.

materials

surface · stretched canvas

required

·stretched canvas 18x24
·oil paints (cadmium red, burnt umber, raw sienna, ivory black, titanium white, yellow ochre)
·linseed oil
·turpentine or odorless mineral spirits
·assorted brushes (round and flat)
·palette
·palette knife
·rags