plate no. 1875

David with the Head of Goliath

oilBaroquemythological paintingfiguremaleheadsworddraperydark background

some experience helpful

Recreating this painting will help students develop skills in dramatic lighting (chiaroscuro) and rendering realistic skin tones. It also provides practice in depicting fabric folds and creating a sense of depth.

technical profile

palette complexity

brushwork visibility

value contrast

compositional simplicity

study guide

est. 20 hrs

approach — 8 steps

step 01
Sketch the basic composition, focusing on the placement of the figures and the main lines of the drapery.
step 02
Establish the dark background using a thin wash of black or dark brown.
step 03
Block in the main areas of light and shadow on the figures, paying attention to the strong contrast.
step 04
Begin layering and blending the skin tones, using a limited palette of warm and cool colors.
step 05
Develop the details of the face, focusing on capturing the expression and the play of light.
step 06
Paint the drapery, paying attention to the folds and highlights.
step 07
Add the details of the sword and the severed head, using dark values to create contrast.
step 08
Refine the overall painting, adjusting values and adding subtle details.

color palette

primary · ivory black · titanium white · burnt umber · cadmium red light

secondary · yellow ochre · raw sienna

Mix skin tones by blending white, red, umber, and a touch of yellow ochre. Use ivory black thinned with medium for the background. Create shadows by adding burnt umber to the skin tone mix.

techniques

·chiaroscuro
·glazing
·scumbling
·blending
·underpainting

common pitfalls

→Overblending the skin tones, resulting in a flat, lifeless appearance.
→Failing to create enough contrast between the light and shadow areas.
→Getting lost in the details too early, before establishing the overall composition.
→Using too much paint, resulting in a muddy or overworked appearance.

materials

surface · stretched canvas

required

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