plate no. 6717
Der Verlorene Sohn
Eugène Burnand, 1896
some experience helpful
Recreating this painting will help students develop skills in depicting figures in a landscape and understanding atmospheric perspective. It also provides practice in mixing natural colors and creating texture with brushstrokes.
technical profile
palette complexity
4
brushwork visibility
4
value contrast
3
compositional simplicity
3
study guide
est. 20 hrsapproach — 8 steps
- step 01
Sketch the basic composition, focusing on the placement of the figures, building, and trees.
- step 02
Block in the main color areas: sky, foliage, ground, and building.
- step 03
Establish the light and shadow patterns on the figures and the ground.
- step 04
Develop the details of the trees and foliage, using varied brushstrokes to create texture.
- step 05
Refine the figures, paying attention to anatomy and drapery.
- step 06
Add details to the building, such as windows and architectural features.
- step 07
Adjust the overall color harmony and value contrast.
- step 08
Add final highlights and details to create depth and realism.
color palette
primary · burnt umber · yellow ochre · titanium white · ultramarine blue
secondary · sap green · raw sienna · cadmium yellow
Mix greens by combining yellow ochre and ultramarine blue. Create earth tones by mixing burnt umber with yellow ochre and white. Use white to lighten colors and create highlights.
techniques
- ·broken color
- ·dry brushing
- ·scumbling
- ·atmospheric perspective
- ·figure drawing
common pitfalls
- →Overworking the details and losing the overall impression.
- →Creating flat, lifeless colors.
- →Ignoring the principles of atmospheric perspective.
- →Incorrect proportions of the figures.
materials
surface · stretched canvas
required
- ·stretched canvas 18x24
- ·burnt umber oil paint
- ·yellow ochre oil paint
- ·titanium white oil paint
- ·ultramarine blue oil paint
- ·#4 round brush
- ·#6 flat brush
- ·linseed oil
optional
- ·palette knife
- ·medium gloss
- ·easel
Use a medium-tooth canvas for best results. Consider using a limited palette to simplify color mixing.
tips & new artworks in your inbox
no spam — unsubscribe anytime.
or to save artworks, chat, and track progress
in this vein
