plate no. 1231
In the Luxembourg Garden
Charles Courtney Curran, 1889
study guide
est. 15 hrsapproach — 8 steps
- step 01
Sketch the basic composition, focusing on the placement of the statue, figures, and trees.
- step 02
Establish the overall color scheme by blocking in the main areas of color, such as the sky, trees, grass, and statue.
- step 03
Begin to develop the details of the figures, paying attention to their poses and clothing.
- step 04
Add details to the statue, using a variety of brushstrokes to create texture and form.
- step 05
Work on the foliage, using broken brushstrokes to suggest the leaves and branches.
- step 06
Refine the details of the foreground, including the grass, flowers, and birds.
- step 07
Add highlights and shadows to create depth and dimension.
- step 08
Make final adjustments to the colors and values to achieve a harmonious and balanced composition.
color palette
primary · viridian green · yellow ochre · ivory black · titanium white
secondary · burnt umber · cadmium red · ultramarine blue
Mix greens by combining viridian green with yellow ochre and white. Achieve darker tones by adding burnt umber or ivory black. Use ultramarine blue to create cooler shadows.
techniques
- ·broken color
- ·scumbling
- ·glazing
- ·atmospheric perspective
- ·alla prima
common pitfalls
- →overworking the details
- →creating flat, lifeless colors
- →losing the overall sense of light and atmosphere
- →inaccurate proportions of figures
materials
surface · stretched canvas
required
- ·stretched canvas 18x24
- ·#4 round brush
- ·#6 filbert brush
- ·palette
- ·linseed oil
- ·mineral spirits
- ·oil paints
optional
- ·palette knife
- ·painting medium
- ·easel
- ·rags
Use a medium-tooth canvas for best results. Consider using a painting medium to improve the flow and blending of the oil paints.
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