plate no. 5384
Expulsion of Heliodorus from the Temple
Francesco Solimena, 1725
advanced study
Recreating this painting will develop skills in figure drawing, composition, and creating dynamic movement within a scene. Students will also learn to mix subtle color variations to create depth and atmosphere.
technical profile
palette complexity
4
brushwork visibility
4
value contrast
4
compositional simplicity
1
study guide
est. 40 hrsapproach — 8 steps
- step 01
Create a rough sketch to establish the overall composition and placement of major elements.
- step 02
Block in the main shapes and values using thin washes of color.
- step 03
Develop the background elements, focusing on the architecture and sky.
- step 04
Begin to define the figures, paying attention to anatomy and gesture.
- step 05
Layer in details and highlights to create depth and dimension.
- step 06
Refine the color palette and adjust values to create a sense of drama.
- step 07
Add final details and highlights to the figures and architecture.
- step 08
Glaze with thin layers of color to unify the painting.
color palette
primary · burnt umber · yellow ochre · titanium white
secondary · ultramarine blue · cadmium red · ivory black
Achieve skin tones by mixing burnt umber, yellow ochre, and titanium white. Create atmospheric effects by diluting colors with medium and layering them thinly.
techniques
- ·glazing
- ·scumbling
- ·chiaroscuro
- ·figure drawing
- ·atmospheric perspective
common pitfalls
- →Getting lost in the details too early.
- →Failing to establish a strong value structure.
- →Overworking the colors and losing the sense of atmosphere.
- →Inaccurate figure drawing.
materials
surface · stretched canvas
required
- ·stretched canvas 24x36
- ·burnt umber oil paint
- ·yellow ochre oil paint
- ·titanium white oil paint
- ·ultramarine blue oil paint
- ·cadmium red oil paint
- ·ivory black oil paint
- ·assorted brushes (round, flat, filbert)
optional
- ·palette knife
- ·linseed oil
- ·turpentine
- ·medium gloss
Use high-quality oil paints for best results. Consider using a toned canvas to create a warmer base.
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