plate no. 6556
Girls who sang in the valley
Noè Bordignon, 1878
experienced study
Recreating this painting will help students develop skills in figure painting, particularly rendering realistic skin tones and drapery, as well as creating depth through atmospheric perspective in the background landscape. It also provides practice in depicting complex textures like stone and fabric.
technical profile
palette complexity
4
brushwork visibility
3
value contrast
3
compositional simplicity
2
study guide
est. 25 hrsapproach — 8 steps
- step 01
Begin with a light sketch outlining the main shapes and composition, paying attention to proportions and placement of the figures and buildings.
- step 02
Establish the background landscape, starting with the sky and mountains, using thin washes of color to create atmospheric perspective.
- step 03
Block in the main colors of the buildings and surrounding foliage, focusing on capturing the overall tones and values.
- step 04
Start working on the figures, beginning with the skin tones and then moving on to the clothing, paying attention to the folds and drapery.
- step 05
Add details to the rocks and ground, using a variety of brushstrokes to create texture and depth.
- step 06
Refine the details of the figures' faces and expressions, using small brushes to add highlights and shadows.
- step 07
Add the final details, such as the animals, basket, and any other small elements that enhance the overall composition.
- step 08
Review the painting and make any necessary adjustments to ensure that the colors, values, and details are all working together harmoniously.
color palette
primary · titanium white · yellow ochre · burnt umber · cadmium red
secondary · ultramarine blue · viridian green · raw sienna
Achieve skin tones by mixing titanium white, yellow ochre, and a touch of cadmium red. Create muted greens by mixing viridian green with burnt umber and yellow ochre. Use ultramarine blue and burnt umber to create the cool tones in the mountains.
techniques
- ·figure painting
- ·atmospheric perspective
- ·drapery rendering
- ·dry brushing
- ·color mixing
common pitfalls
- →Incorrect proportions of the figures.
- →Overly saturated colors that detract from the overall harmony.
- →Lack of depth in the landscape.
- →Insufficient attention to detail in the faces and expressions.
materials
surface · stretched canvas
required
- ·stretched canvas 18x24
- ·titanium white oil paint
- ·yellow ochre oil paint
- ·burnt umber oil paint
- ·cadmium red oil paint
- ·ultramarine blue oil paint
- ·round brushes (sizes 2, 4, 6)
- ·flat brushes (sizes 4, 8)
optional
- ·palette knife
- ·linseed oil
- ·turpentine
- ·medium gloss
Use a high-quality canvas and artist-grade oil paints for best results. Consider using a medium to thin the paints and improve flow.
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