plate no. 0540

Kings (Fairy Tale Kings )

Mikalojus Konstantinas Ciurlionis, 1909

oilSymbolismmythological paintingfigureskingslandscapecityscapelighttrees

experienced study

Recreating this painting will help students develop skills in layering dark values, creating atmospheric perspective, and rendering a glowing light source. It also encourages experimentation with color mixing to achieve subtle tonal variations.

technical profile

palette complexity

brushwork visibility

value contrast

compositional simplicity

study guide

est. 15 hrs

approach — 8 steps

step 01
Sketch the basic composition, focusing on the placement of the figures and the light source.
step 02
Establish the dark background using a mix of browns, blues, and blacks.
step 03
Block in the figures with mid-tone values, paying attention to their forms.
step 04
Begin layering lighter values on the figures to create highlights and define details.
step 05
Paint the central light source with bright whites and yellows, blending outwards to create a glowing effect.
step 06
Add details to the cityscape within the light source using small brushes.
step 07
Refine the details of the figures' clothing and crowns.
step 08
Add final touches and highlights to enhance the overall atmosphere.

color palette

primary · ultramarine blue · burnt umber · titanium white

secondary · yellow ochre · raw sienna · ivory black

Achieve the dark, muted tones by mixing burnt umber with ultramarine blue and a touch of black. Use yellow ochre and raw sienna for the warmer highlights on the figures and cityscape. Mix white with small amounts of the other colors to create subtle variations in value.

techniques

·layering
·glazing
·scumbling
·dry brushing
·atmospheric perspective

common pitfalls

→Overworking the details too early in the process.
→Failing to establish a strong value structure.
→Using colors that are too bright or saturated.
→Losing the sense of atmosphere and depth.

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 (if using oil paints)
·odorless mineral spirits (for cleaning brushes)

optional

·medium gloss
·retarder medium
·easel

Using a toned canvas (e.g., with a thin wash of burnt umber) can help to establish the dark background more easily. Consider using a glazing medium to enhance the luminosity of the colors.

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