apprentice
artistsserieslearnchatartworkscommunity gallery
apprentice

deliberate practice for serious artists

aboutgalleryprivacyterms
built by reducibl.com
home·artworks·Håkon the Good
Håkon the Good by Peter Nicolai Arbo

plate no. 3096

Håkon the Good

Peter Nicolai Arbo, 1860

oilRomanticismhistory paintingfiguresinteriorthroneceremonyhistoricalcrowd
experienced study

Recreating this painting will help students develop skills in figure drawing, composition, and rendering textures with visible brushstrokes. It also provides practice in creating a sense of depth and atmosphere in a complex scene.

technical profile

palette complexity
4
brushwork visibility
4
value contrast
3
compositional simplicity
2

study guide

est. 30 hrs

approach — 8 steps

  1. step 01

    Create a rough sketch to establish the overall composition and placement of figures.

  2. step 02

    Block in the main shapes and colors of the background and figures, focusing on accurate proportions.

  3. step 03

    Develop the values and details of the figures, paying attention to the lighting and shadows.

  4. step 04

    Add details to the clothing and accessories, using smaller brushes.

  5. step 05

    Refine the background and add details to create depth and atmosphere.

  6. step 06

    Work on the faces and expressions of the figures, capturing their emotions.

  7. step 07

    Add final highlights and shadows to enhance the overall effect.

  8. step 08

    Review and adjust the painting as needed to achieve a cohesive and balanced composition.

color palette

primary · red · blue · brown · white

secondary · gold · green · grey

Achieve the various skin tones by mixing white, red, yellow ochre, and a touch of blue or green. Use browns and blues to create shadows and depth in the clothing.

techniques

  • ·figure drawing
  • ·underpainting
  • ·glazing
  • ·scumbling
  • ·chiaroscuro

common pitfalls

  • →Incorrect proportions of figures
  • →Overworking details too early
  • →Ignoring the overall composition
  • →Inconsistent lighting
  • →Muddy colors

materials

surface · stretched canvas

required

  • ·stretched canvas
  • ·oil paints
  • ·palette
  • ·assorted brushes
  • ·linseed oil
  • ·turpentine
  • ·palette knife

optional

  • ·medium gloss
  • ·easel
  • ·rags
  • ·photo reference

Use a medium-grain canvas for best results. Consider using a toned canvas to help establish the overall color scheme.

tips & new artworks in your inbox

no spam — unsubscribe anytime.

or to save artworks, chat, and track progress

related guides

oil painting for beginners →how to learn by studying the masters →
chat about this artwork

in this vein

related artworks

Romantic Landscape

Romantic Landscape

Karl Lessing

Self-portrait with his brother Francesco

Self-portrait with his brother Francesco

Giuseppe Tominz

Oenone Refuse de Secourir Pâris au Siège de Troie

Oenone Refuse de Secourir Pâris au Siège de Troie

Léon Cogniet

Duke of Alba

Duke of Alba

Francisco Goya

Blick Aus Dem Wald Ins Tal

Blick Aus Dem Wald Ins Tal

Andreas Achenbach

Young Girl Fixing Her Hair

Young Girl Fixing Her Hair

Sophie Gengembre Anderson

The Plough Inn

The Plough Inn

William Shayer

Hudson River Landscape

Hudson River Landscape

Johann Hermann Carmiencke