plate no. 0749
Illustration for Božena Němcová's Fairy Tales
some experience helpful
This painting provides practice in rendering figures in historical clothing and creating a sense of depth through atmospheric perspective. Students will also learn to depict realistic textures like fabric and fur.
technical profile
palette complexity
3
brushwork visibility
3
value contrast
3
compositional simplicity
3
study guide
est. 15 hrsapproach — 8 steps
- step 01
Sketch the basic composition, focusing on the placement of the figures and dogs.
- step 02
Block in the main color areas for the sky, landscape, and figures.
- step 03
Develop the values and details of the figures' clothing, paying attention to folds and textures.
- step 04
Add details to the dogs, focusing on their fur and anatomy.
- step 05
Refine the background landscape, creating depth with lighter values in the distance.
- step 06
Add highlights and shadows to create form and dimension.
- step 07
Glaze with thin layers of color to unify the painting and enhance the color harmony.
- step 08
Add final details and adjust values as needed.
color palette
primary · ivory black · burnt sienna · cadmium red light · titanium white
secondary · ultramarine blue · yellow ochre · raw umber
Mix various shades of gray and brown for the landscape and clothing. Use white to lighten colors and create highlights. Mix red and yellow for the knight's clothing.
techniques
- ·glazing
- ·scumbling
- ·dry brushing
- ·atmospheric perspective
- ·figure drawing
common pitfalls
- →Overworking the details too early in the process.
- →Failing to establish a clear value structure.
- →Using colors that are too saturated.
- →Ignoring the importance of edges and transitions.
materials
surface · stretched canvas
required
- ·stretched canvas
- ·acrylic or oil paints
- ·round brushes (sizes 2, 4, 6)
- ·flat brushes (sizes 4, 8)
- ·palette
- ·palette knife
- ·linseed oil or acrylic medium
- ·odorless mineral spirits or water
optional
- ·retouch varnish
- ·easel
- ·painting medium
Use a medium-tooth canvas for best results. Acrylics will dry faster, while oils allow for more blending time.
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