plate no. 1670
Dreamer of Dreams by the Queen of Romania
some experience helpful
This painting will help students develop skills in rendering soft textures and subtle color variations, as well as creating a sense of depth and atmosphere using value and color.
technical profile
palette complexity
3
brushwork visibility
3
value contrast
4
compositional simplicity
3
study guide
est. 15 hrsapproach — 8 steps
- step 01
Sketch the basic shapes and composition, paying attention to the placement of the figures and polar bears.
- step 02
Block in the dark background with a deep blue or black, leaving space for the stars.
- step 03
Establish the base tones for the polar bears and the figure, using a light gray or white.
- step 04
Begin layering in subtle color variations on the polar bears to create depth and texture.
- step 05
Add details to the figure's clothing and features, using delicate brushstrokes.
- step 06
Paint the stars in the background, varying their size and brightness.
- step 07
Refine the details and add any final touches, such as highlights and shadows.
- step 08
Glaze the painting with a thin layer of medium to unify the colors and add a subtle sheen.
color palette
primary · titanium white · ivory black · ultramarine blue
secondary · raw umber · yellow ochre · crimson
Mix white with small amounts of blue and umber to create the cool tones of the snow and polar bears. Use crimson to add a touch of warmth to the figure's skin and clothing.
techniques
- ·glazing
- ·dry brushing
- ·scumbling
- ·soft blending
- ·layering
common pitfalls
- →Overworking the details and losing the overall sense of atmosphere.
- →Using too much white and creating a flat, lifeless effect.
- →Neglecting the subtle color variations in the snow and polar bears.
- →Not paying attention to the proportions and anatomy of the figures.
materials
surface · stretched canvas
required
- ·stretched canvas
- ·titanium white oil paint
- ·ivory black oil paint
- ·ultramarine blue oil paint
- ·raw umber oil paint
- ·round brushes (sizes 2, 4, 6)
- ·palette
- ·linseed oil
optional
- ·palette knife
- ·medium gloss
- ·easel
Use high-quality oil paints for best results. A smooth canvas surface will be easier to work with.
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