plate no. 6647
Ecce Homo
Sven Jonson, 1937
some experience helpful
Recreating this painting will help students develop skills in atmospheric perspective and subtle value transitions to create a dreamlike quality. Students will also learn to simplify complex forms into basic shapes before adding detail.
technical profile
palette complexity
3
brushwork visibility
2
value contrast
3
compositional simplicity
3
study guide
est. 12 hrsapproach — 8 steps
- step 01
Sketch the basic composition, focusing on the placement of the statue, boat, and horizon line.
- step 02
Block in the large areas of color, starting with the sky and water.
- step 03
Establish the value structure of the statue and its base.
- step 04
Add the dark tones of the land and the boat.
- step 05
Refine the shapes and details of the statue, paying attention to the folds of the fabric.
- step 06
Introduce the skulls and other small details.
- step 07
Blend the edges of the forms to create a soft, atmospheric effect.
- step 08
Add final highlights and shadows to enhance the sense of depth.
color palette
primary · gray · beige · dark blue
secondary · brown · white
Achieve the muted tones by mixing complementary colors and adding white or gray. Use thin washes of color to build up depth and atmosphere.
techniques
- ·glazing
- ·atmospheric perspective
- ·value studies
- ·blending
common pitfalls
- →Overworking the details and losing the overall sense of atmosphere.
- →Using colors that are too saturated.
- →Failing to establish a strong value structure.
- →Not blending the edges of the forms sufficiently.
materials
surface · stretched canvas
required
- ·Stretched canvas
- ·Acrylic or oil paints
- ·Round brushes (various sizes)
- ·Flat brushes (various sizes)
- ·Palette
- ·Palette knife
- ·Odorless mineral spirits or water (depending on paint type)
- ·Linseed oil or acrylic medium
optional
- ·Retarder medium
- ·Varnish
Use a smooth canvas to facilitate blending. Consider using a toned canvas to establish a base color.
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