plate no. 2562
Cases of noble men and women
Jean Fouquet, 1460
advanced study
Recreating this painting would develop skills in figure drawing, perspective, and creating patterns. It also provides practice in rendering details and textures with tempera.
technical profile
palette complexity
3
brushwork visibility
4
value contrast
3
compositional simplicity
1
study guide
est. 40 hrsapproach — 8 steps
- step 01
Create a preliminary sketch to establish the overall composition and perspective.
- step 02
Block in the main shapes and figures with diluted tempera.
- step 03
Develop the background tapestry and architectural elements, paying attention to detail.
- step 04
Refine the figures, adding details to their clothing and faces.
- step 05
Layer colors to build depth and dimension.
- step 06
Add highlights and shadows to create contrast and form.
- step 07
Carefully render the patterns on the fabrics and carpets.
- step 08
Apply final details and corrections.
color palette
primary · ultramarine blue · red ochre · ivory black · titanium white
secondary · green earth · yellow ochre · gold
Mix ultramarine with white for the blue fabrics. Use red ochre and black to create the darker reds and browns. Mix green earth with yellow ochre for the greens.
techniques
- ·layering
- ·hatching
- ·scumbling
- ·dry brushing
- ·glazing
common pitfalls
- →Getting lost in the details too early.
- →Failing to establish a strong sense of perspective.
- →Overworking the colors and losing vibrancy.
- →Inconsistent brushstrokes.
materials
surface · parchment or illustration board
required
- ·parchment or illustration board
- ·tempera paints
- ·fine detail brushes
- ·palette
- ·water
- ·soft cloth
- ·ruler
- ·pencil
optional
- ·palette knife
- ·varnish
- ·magnifying glass
Tempera dries quickly, so work in small sections. Use high-quality brushes for fine details.
tips & new artworks in your inbox
no spam — unsubscribe anytime.
or to save artworks, chat, and track progress
related guides
in this vein
related artworks
Aristotle
Justus van Gent
The Man of Sorrows with the Virgin Mary and St. John the Evangelist
Martin Schongauer
The pride of the beggar sitting on the train of haughtiness
Albrecht Altdorfer
Adoration of the Magi
Quentin Matsys
Christ on the Cross
Albrecht Altdorfer
Frühling - Das Bereiten Der Blumenbeete
Pieter Brueghel the Younger
Group of Men
Rogier van der Weyden
Madonna and Child Holding a Pear
Bernard Van Orley