plate no. 6787
Cupid in a Landscape
Il Sodoma, 1510
some experience helpful
Recreating this painting will help students develop skills in figure drawing, particularly rendering the human form with subtle tonal variations, and in creating atmospheric perspective in a landscape.
technical profile
palette complexity
4
brushwork visibility
3
value contrast
4
compositional simplicity
3
study guide
est. 20 hrsapproach — 8 steps
- step 01
Begin with a light sketch outlining the main shapes: the figure, the trees, and the distant landscape.
- step 02
Establish the background by blocking in the sky and distant mountains with thin washes of color.
- step 03
Define the major landforms and trees, focusing on their overall shapes and values.
- step 04
Start building up the figure with light layers of color, paying attention to the subtle shifts in tone to create form.
- step 05
Add details to the figure, such as the wings, hair, and facial features.
- step 06
Refine the background, adding details to the trees and distant buildings.
- step 07
Paint the quiver and bow, paying attention to their textures and colors.
- step 08
Add final highlights and shadows to enhance the overall depth and realism of the painting.
color palette
primary · raw umber · titanium white · yellow ochre
secondary · burnt sienna · cadmium red light · ultramarine blue
Achieve the skin tones by mixing white, yellow ochre, and a touch of red. Create atmospheric perspective by adding blue to distant colors.
techniques
- ·glazing
- ·scumbling
- ·blending
- ·chiaroscuro
- ·atmospheric perspective
common pitfalls
- →Overworking the figure and losing the subtle tonal variations.
- →Creating too much contrast in the background, which can flatten the image.
- →Neglecting the importance of accurate proportions in the figure.
- →Using colors that are too saturated.
materials
surface · stretched canvas
required
- ·stretched canvas
- ·raw umber oil paint
- ·titanium white oil paint
- ·yellow ochre oil paint
- ·burnt sienna oil paint
- ·cadmium red light oil paint
- ·ultramarine blue oil paint
- ·assorted round and flat brushes
optional
- ·palette knife
- ·linseed oil
- ·turpentine
- ·medium gloss
Use a medium-grain canvas for best results. Consider using a toned ground to help establish the overall color harmony.
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