plate no. 6853
Elizabeth of Russia in cordergardia
experienced study
Recreating this painting will help students develop skills in rendering complex scenes with many figures, understanding light and shadow in an interior setting, and using expressive brushwork to create texture and movement.
technical profile
palette complexity
4
brushwork visibility
4
value contrast
4
compositional simplicity
2
study guide
est. 20 hrsapproach — 8 steps
- step 01
Create a rough sketch of the composition, focusing on the placement of the main figures and the overall perspective.
- step 02
Establish the main light sources: the hanging lantern and the lantern on the table.
- step 03
Block in the large shapes of the figures and the background with thin washes of color.
- step 04
Start building up the details of the faces and clothing, paying attention to the light and shadow.
- step 05
Use thicker paint and more visible brushstrokes to create texture and depth.
- step 06
Add highlights to the figures and objects that are closest to the light sources.
- step 07
Refine the details of the background and the architectural elements.
- step 08
Add final touches and glazes to unify the painting and enhance the colors.
color palette
primary · burnt umber · yellow ochre · ivory black · titanium white
secondary · cadmium red · ultramarine blue · raw sienna
Achieve the warm, muted tones by mixing burnt umber and yellow ochre with small amounts of black and white. Use cadmium red for highlights on faces and clothing. Mix ultramarine blue with burnt umber to create darker shadows.
techniques
- ·chiaroscuro
- ·scumbling
- ·glazing
- ·alla prima
- ·broken color
common pitfalls
- →Getting lost in the details too early; focus on the overall composition first.
- →Creating muddy colors by overmixing; keep your colors clean and vibrant.
- →Ignoring the light source; pay close attention to how the light affects the forms.
- →Failing to create enough contrast; use a full range of values to create depth and drama.
materials
surface · stretched canvas
required
- ·stretched canvas (18x24 inches)
- ·oil paints (burnt umber, yellow ochre, ivory black, titanium white, cadmium red, ultramarine blue, raw sienna)
- ·linseed oil
- ·turpentine or odorless mineral spirits
- ·palette
- ·assorted brushes (round and flat)
- ·palette knife
- ·rags or paper towels
optional
- ·medium gloss
- ·retouch varnish
- ·easel
Use a medium-grit canvas to allow for good paint adhesion. Consider using a toned canvas to establish a base color.
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