plate no. 2770
Gorgonenhaupt
Wilhelm Trübner, 1891
study guide
est. 15 hrsapproach — 8 steps
- step 01
Sketch the basic composition, focusing on the proportions of the face and the placement of the snakes.
- step 02
Establish the overall value structure with a thin wash of burnt umber or a similar dark neutral.
- step 03
Block in the main areas of color on the face, using a limited palette of earth tones and reds.
- step 04
Begin to refine the facial features, paying close attention to the highlights and shadows.
- step 05
Add details to the snakes, focusing on their scales and textures.
- step 06
Develop the background, using loose brushstrokes and subtle color variations to create depth.
- step 07
Refine the overall composition, adjusting values and colors as needed.
- step 08
Add final details and highlights to complete the painting.
color palette
primary · burnt umber · raw sienna · titanium white · cadmium red
secondary · ivory black · yellow ochre · ultramarine blue
Achieve skin tones by mixing white with small amounts of red, sienna, and umber. Use black and blue sparingly to create shadows and depth. The snakes can be created by mixing black, umber, and sienna with hints of green.
techniques
- ·underpainting
- ·glazing
- ·scumbling
- ·chiaroscuro
- ·dry brushing
common pitfalls
- →Overworking the painting and losing the loose, expressive brushstrokes.
- →Failing to establish a strong value structure early on.
- →Getting bogged down in details before establishing the overall composition.
- →Using colors that are too bright or saturated.
materials
surface · stretched canvas
required
- ·stretched canvas
- ·burnt umber oil paint
- ·raw sienna oil paint
- ·titanium white oil paint
- ·cadmium red oil paint
- ·round brushes (various sizes)
- ·palette
- ·linseed oil
optional
- ·palette knife
- ·medium gloss
- ·odorless mineral spirits
A toned canvas can be helpful for establishing the dark background. Use a medium to thin the oil paints and create glazes.
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