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home·artworks·Hector's Farewell to Andromache
Hector's Farewell to Andromache by Gavin Hamilton

plate no. 7920

Hector's Farewell to Andromache

Gavin Hamilton, 1775

oilNeoclassicismmythological paintingfiguresarchitecturecityscapemythologysoldiersfamily
experienced study

Recreating this painting will help students develop skills in figure drawing, composition, and creating depth through atmospheric perspective. It also provides practice in rendering drapery and metallic surfaces.

technical profile

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

study guide

est. 30 hrs

approach — 8 steps

  1. step 01

    Begin with a light sketch outlining the main figures and architectural elements, paying attention to proportions and placement.

  2. step 02

    Establish the background with broad washes of color, focusing on creating a sense of depth and atmosphere.

  3. step 03

    Block in the main figures with basic shapes and values, gradually refining their forms and details.

  4. step 04

    Develop the drapery, paying attention to the way it folds and drapes over the figures.

  5. step 05

    Add details to the armor and weapons, using highlights and shadows to create a sense of realism.

  6. step 06

    Refine the facial features and expressions of the figures, capturing their emotions and interactions.

  7. step 07

    Add final details such as highlights, shadows, and textures to bring the painting to life.

  8. step 08

    Glaze over the entire painting to unify the colors and create a sense of depth.

color palette

primary · burnt umber · yellow ochre · titanium white · cadmium red

secondary · ultramarine blue · ivory black · raw sienna

Achieve the skin tones by mixing burnt umber, yellow ochre, and titanium white, with small amounts of cadmium red for warmth. Use ultramarine blue and ivory black to create cool shadows and atmospheric effects.

techniques

  • ·figure drawing
  • ·atmospheric perspective
  • ·chiaroscuro
  • ·glazing
  • ·drapery rendering

common pitfalls

  • →Getting the proportions of the figures wrong.
  • →Failing to create a sense of depth and atmosphere.
  • →Overworking the details and losing the overall unity of the painting.
  • →Not paying enough attention to the lighting and shadows.

materials

surface · stretched canvas

required

  • ·stretched canvas
  • ·burnt umber oil paint
  • ·yellow ochre oil paint
  • ·titanium white oil paint
  • ·cadmium red oil paint
  • ·ultramarine blue oil paint
  • ·round brushes (various sizes)
  • ·linseed oil

optional

  • ·palette knife
  • ·medium gloss
  • ·easel

Use high-quality oil paints for best results. A medium-sized canvas (e.g., 18x24 inches) is recommended for beginners.

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oil painting for beginners →how to learn by studying the masters →
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