plate no. 0625

Diana and Calisto

oilMannerism (Late Renaissance)mythological paintingfigureslandscapemythologytreescityscapewater

experienced study

Recreating this painting will help students develop skills in figure drawing, atmospheric perspective, and creating depth through layering and value control. It also provides practice in rendering fabric and foliage.

technical profile

palette complexity

brushwork visibility

value contrast

compositional simplicity

study guide

est. 25 hrs

approach — 8 steps

step 01
Sketch the basic composition, focusing on the placement of the figures and the landscape elements.
step 02
Establish the background with a thin wash of color, paying attention to atmospheric perspective.
step 03
Block in the main shapes and values of the figures, using a limited palette.
step 04
Develop the details of the figures, including the drapery and facial features.
step 05
Add details to the landscape, such as the trees, water, and cityscape.
step 06
Refine the values and colors throughout the painting, creating depth and dimension.
step 07
Add highlights and shadows to create a sense of form and volume.
step 08
Glaze thin layers of color to unify the painting and create a sense of atmosphere.

color palette

primary · burnt umber · yellow ochre · titanium white · Prussian blue

secondary · cadmium red · viridian green · ivory black

Use burnt umber and Prussian blue to create dark greens and blacks. Mix yellow ochre and titanium white for highlights. Use glazes of cadmium red to add warmth to the figures.

techniques