plate no. 6982

Cave of the Storm Nymphs

Edward Poynter, 1903

oil, canvasRomanticismmythological paintingfigurescaveoceanshipwreckrockstreasure

experienced study

Recreating this painting will help students develop skills in figure drawing, rendering skin tones, and creating depth through atmospheric perspective. It also provides practice in depicting complex textures like rocks, water, and fabrics.

technical profile

palette complexity

brushwork visibility

value contrast

compositional simplicity

study guide

est. 30 hrs

approach — 8 steps

step 01
Create a preliminary sketch to establish the composition and proportions of the figures and landscape.
step 02
Block in the main shapes and values using thin washes of color.
step 03
Begin layering in the darker values, focusing on the rocks and cave interior.
step 04
Develop the skin tones of the figures, paying attention to highlights and shadows.
step 05
Paint the ocean and shipwreck in the background, using lighter values to create atmospheric perspective.
step 06
Add details to the treasure and fabrics, using small brushes and precise strokes.
step 07
Refine the overall composition and adjust values as needed.
step 08
Apply a final layer of varnish to protect the painting.

color palette

primary · burnt umber · raw sienna · titanium white · cadmium red

secondary · ultramarine blue · yellow ochre · ivory black

Mix various shades of brown and beige for the rocks and sand. Use white and blue to create the ocean and sky. Mix red and white for the skin tones, adding small amounts of yellow or brown to adjust the hue.

techniques

·figure drawing
·glazing
·atmospheric perspective
·rendering textures
·chiaroscuro

common pitfalls

→Incorrect proportions of the figures.
→Muddy or dull skin tones.
→Lack of depth in the landscape.
→Overworking the details.
→Inconsistent lighting.

materials

surface · stretched canvas

required

·stretched canvas 18x24
·oil paints (burnt umber, raw sienna, titanium white, cadmium red, ultramarine blue, yellow ochre, ivory black)
·linseed oil
·turpentine
·assorted brushes (round, flat, filbert)
·palette
·palette knife
·rags