plate no. 6119

Giant

Konstantin Vasilyev, 1975

oilSymbolismmythological paintinggiantforesttreesfiguremythologybeard

some experience helpful

This painting provides an opportunity to practice rendering realistic textures like fur and foliage, as well as creating depth through atmospheric perspective. Students can also learn about depicting a mythological figure within a landscape.

technical profile

palette complexity

brushwork visibility

value contrast

compositional simplicity

study guide

est. 15 hrs

approach — 8 steps

step 01
Sketch the basic composition, focusing on the proportions of the giant and the placement of key elements like trees and the path.
step 02
Establish the background with a light wash of blues and greens, creating a sense of atmospheric perspective.
step 03
Block in the main shapes of the giant, paying attention to the overall form and pose.
step 04
Begin adding details to the face, focusing on the eyes, nose, and mouth to capture the expression.
step 05
Develop the texture of the fur coat using small, curved brushstrokes and varying shades of white and gray.
step 06
Paint the details of the trees and foliage, using a variety of greens and browns to create depth and texture.
step 07
Add highlights and shadows to create form and dimension throughout the painting.
step 08
Refine the details and make any necessary adjustments to the composition and color balance.

color palette

primary · titanium white · ultramarine blue · burnt umber

secondary · sap green · yellow ochre

Mix various shades of white with small amounts of blue and umber to create the fur. Use blue and green for the background, adding white for atmospheric perspective. Mix greens and browns for the foliage.

techniques