plate no. 2597
La Gardienne des Phénix
Leonor Fini, 1954
experienced study
Recreating this painting will develop skills in rendering figures with subtle lighting and creating atmospheric perspective. Students will also learn to depict textures using layering and glazing techniques.
technical profile
palette complexity
3
brushwork visibility
3
value contrast
4
compositional simplicity
3
study guide
est. 20 hrsapproach — 8 steps
- step 01
Sketch the basic composition, focusing on the placement of the figure, birds, and landscape.
- step 02
Establish the dark background and sky using thin washes of color.
- step 03
Block in the main shapes of the figure and drapery with basic tones.
- step 04
Begin layering colors to define the form of the figure, paying attention to highlights and shadows.
- step 05
Add details to the birds, focusing on their unique shapes and textures.
- step 06
Refine the landscape elements, creating depth through atmospheric perspective.
- step 07
Glaze over the entire painting to unify the colors and create a sense of depth.
- step 08
Add final details and highlights to complete the painting.
color palette
primary · burnt umber · titanium white · cadmium orange
secondary · payne's gray · yellow ochre
Achieve the skin tones by mixing titanium white, cadmium orange, and a touch of burnt umber. Create the atmospheric perspective by adding payne's gray to the landscape colors.
techniques
- ·glazing
- ·layering
- ·atmospheric perspective
- ·scumbling
- ·dry brushing
common pitfalls
- →Overworking the details too early
- →Failing to establish a strong value structure
- →Not creating enough depth in the background
- →Using colors that are too saturated
materials
surface · stretched canvas
required
- ·stretched canvas
- ·burnt umber oil paint
- ·titanium white oil paint
- ·cadmium orange oil paint
- ·payne's gray oil paint
- ·yellow ochre oil paint
- ·#4 round brush
- ·#6 filbert brush
optional
- ·palette knife
- ·linseed oil
- ·turpentine
- ·retouch varnish
Use high-quality oil paints for best results. Allow each layer to dry before applying the next.
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