plate no. 7087

Jupiter I Merkury U Filemona I Baucis

tempera, gouache, canvasBaroquemythological paintingfiguresinteriortablecandlelightmythologyarchitecture

experienced study

Recreating this painting will help students understand chiaroscuro and how to create a sense of depth using light and shadow. It also provides practice in rendering figures in a dimly lit environment.

technical profile

palette complexity

brushwork visibility

value contrast

compositional simplicity

study guide

est. 20 hrs

approach — 8 steps

step 01
Prepare a canvas with a dark umber ground.
step 02
Sketch the basic composition, focusing on the placement of figures and the table.
step 03
Establish the main light source (the candle) and block in the areas of light and shadow with thin washes of color.
step 04
Develop the figures, starting with the areas closest to the light source and gradually working into the shadows.
step 05
Add details to the table and surrounding objects, paying attention to how the light reflects off different surfaces.
step 06
Refine the overall composition, adjusting values and adding highlights to create a sense of depth.
step 07
Use glazes to deepen shadows and add richness to the colors.
step 08
Add final details and adjust the overall tonal balance.

color palette

primary · burnt umber · raw sienna · ivory black

secondary · yellow ochre · titanium white

Achieve the warm glow of candlelight by mixing yellow ochre with burnt sienna and a touch of white. Create shadows by mixing burnt umber with ivory black.

techniques