plate no. 5369

Illustration to Dante's Divine Comedy, Purgatory

oilSymbolismillustrationfiguresoceancloudsarchitectureangelcliff

some experience helpful

Recreating this painting will help students develop skills in atmospheric perspective and creating ethereal figures with loose linework. It also provides practice in layering washes and achieving a sense of depth with limited color.

technical profile

palette complexity

brushwork visibility

value contrast

compositional simplicity

study guide

est. 8 hrs

approach — 8 steps

step 01
Lightly sketch the main shapes: the figures, the cliff, the archway, and the cloud formation.
step 02
Apply a thin wash of diluted yellow ochre and burnt sienna to the sky and horizon.
step 03
Layer washes of red and crimson to build up the cloud mass, leaving some areas lighter for highlights.
step 04
Paint the cliff with a mix of green, blue, and brown, using short, broken brushstrokes to create texture.
step 05
Use diluted black and grey to define the archway and steps, paying attention to the light and shadow.
step 06
Sketch the angel figure within the archway with a light pencil or diluted grey paint.
step 07
Add details to the figures on the cliff, using thin washes of red and blue to create their robes.
step 08
Refine the details and add final touches, such as highlights on the water and subtle variations in the sky.

color palette

primary · burnt sienna · yellow ochre · crimson · ultramarine blue

secondary · black · white · raw umber

Mix burnt sienna and yellow ochre for the warm sky tones. Use crimson and a touch of black for the clouds. Combine ultramarine blue, raw umber, and white for the cliff and ocean.

techniques

·dry brushing
·layering washes
·atmospheric perspective
·linear sketching
·glazing

common pitfalls

→Overworking the details and losing the ethereal quality.
→Making the colors too saturated and losing the subtle gradations.
→Not establishing a clear focal point.
→Ignoring the importance of light and shadow in creating depth.

materials

surface · watercolor paper 140lb

required

·watercolor paints
·round brushes (various sizes)
·watercolor paper (140lb)
·palette
·water container
·paper towels
·pencil
·kneaded eraser

optional

·masking fluid
·palette knife
·ruler

Use high-quality watercolor paper to prevent buckling and allow for multiple layers of washes. Soft brushes are ideal for blending and creating smooth transitions.

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