plate no. 0285
Lakshmi, the goddess of wealth
Raja Ravi Varma, 1906
some experience helpful
Recreating this painting will help students develop skills in figure painting, particularly rendering drapery and skin tones, as well as creating a sense of depth through atmospheric perspective in the background landscape.
technical profile
palette complexity
3
brushwork visibility
3
value contrast
3
compositional simplicity
2
study guide
est. 20 hrsapproach — 8 steps
- step 01
Sketch the basic composition, focusing on the placement of the figure, elephant, and lotus.
- step 02
Block in the main colors of the background landscape, starting with the sky and distant mountains.
- step 03
Establish the base tones for the water and the lotus flower.
- step 04
Begin painting the figure, focusing on the skin tones and the folds of the sari.
- step 05
Add details to the jewelry and headdress.
- step 06
Paint the elephant, paying attention to its form and texture.
- step 07
Refine the details of the lotus flower and the surrounding water.
- step 08
Add final highlights and shadows to create depth and dimension.
color palette
primary · pink · green · white · yellow
secondary · brown · blue · purple
Mix pinks by combining red and white, and create variations by adding small amounts of yellow or blue. Achieve greens by mixing blue and yellow, and adjust the shade by adding brown or white.
techniques
- ·blending
- ·layering
- ·glazing
- ·scumbling
- ·atmospheric perspective
common pitfalls
- →Overworking the details too early in the process.
- →Failing to establish a strong value structure.
- →Using colors that are too saturated.
- →Ignoring the importance of atmospheric perspective.
materials
surface · Stretched canvas
required
- ·Stretched canvas 18x24
- ·Acrylic or oil paints
- ·Round brushes (sizes 2, 4, 6)
- ·Flat brushes (sizes 8, 10)
- ·Palette
- ·Palette knife
- ·Odorless mineral spirits or water
- ·Linseed oil or acrylic medium
optional
- ·Retarder medium
- ·Varnish
- ·Easel
Use a smooth canvas for easier blending. Consider using a toned canvas to establish a base color.
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