plate no. 1014

Entry of Emperor Charles IV in Cambrai

oilNorthern Renaissancehistory paintingfigureshorsescityscapecastleprocessionarchitecture

experienced study

Recreating this painting will help students develop skills in figure drawing, especially horses, and understanding how to create depth through atmospheric perspective. It also provides practice in rendering details in clothing and architecture.

technical profile

palette complexity

brushwork visibility

value contrast

compositional simplicity

study guide

est. 20 hrs

approach — 8 steps

step 01
Lightly sketch the basic shapes of the buildings, figures, and horses, paying attention to proportions and placement.
step 02
Establish the horizon line and the overall composition, ensuring the figures are correctly positioned in relation to the architecture.
step 03
Begin blocking in the main colors of the sky, buildings, and ground, using thin washes.
step 04
Add the base colors for the figures and horses, focusing on the larger areas of color.
step 05
Start layering in details on the buildings, such as windows, stonework, and architectural features.
step 06
Refine the figures, adding details to their clothing, faces, and accessories.
step 07
Add highlights and shadows to create depth and dimension, paying attention to the light source.
step 08
Finish with fine details, such as the horses' harnesses, facial features, and the textures of the clothing.

color palette

primary · cerulean blue · crimson red · ivory black · yellow ochre

secondary · ultramarine blue · raw umber · titanium white

Mix various shades of grey for the castle walls by combining black, white, and a touch of blue or brown. Achieve the red hues by mixing crimson with yellow ochre for warmer tones and a touch of black for shadows.

techniques