plate no. 0207

Giotto keeping the goats

oilAcademicismgenre paintingfiguregoatslandscapehillsskyhat

some experience helpful

Recreating this painting will help students develop skills in figure drawing, particularly rendering skin tones and anatomy, and in creating a sense of depth through atmospheric perspective.

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 placement of the figure and goats.
step 02
Establish the background landscape with a light wash of color, paying attention to atmospheric perspective.
step 03
Block in the main shapes of the figure and goats with simplified color masses.
step 04
Begin refining the figure's anatomy and skin tones, using subtle color variations to create form.
step 05
Add details to the goats, including their fur texture and horns.
step 06
Develop the foreground details, such as the rocks and vegetation.
step 07
Refine the lighting and shadows throughout the painting.
step 08
Add final details and highlights to bring the painting to life.

color palette

primary · raw umber · titanium white · yellow ochre

secondary · ultramarine blue · burnt sienna · cadmium red light

Achieve skin tones by mixing white, yellow ochre, and a touch of red. Use ultramarine blue and white for the sky, gradually lightening the value as you approach the horizon. Mix raw umber and burnt sienna for the goats and foreground elements.

techniques