plate no. 4078
Lion in a Mountainous Landscape
Rosa Bonheur, 1880
some experience helpful
Recreating this painting will help students develop skills in animal anatomy, fur rendering, and atmospheric perspective. Students will also learn to mix realistic earth tones and create subtle value gradations.
technical profile
palette complexity
4
brushwork visibility
3
value contrast
3
compositional simplicity
4
study guide
est. 20 hrsapproach — 8 steps
- step 01
Sketch the basic shapes of the lion and the landscape, paying attention to proportions and composition.
- step 02
Block in the main color areas of the sky, mountains, and foreground with thin washes.
- step 03
Establish the basic values and colors of the lion's body and mane.
- step 04
Begin adding details to the lion's face, fur, and musculature, using smaller brushes.
- step 05
Develop the landscape by adding details to the mountains, hills, and vegetation.
- step 06
Refine the lighting and shadows throughout the painting to create depth and dimension.
- step 07
Add final details such as highlights in the eyes and subtle textures in the fur and landscape.
- step 08
Glaze or scumble layers to unify the painting and adjust colors as needed.
color palette
primary · burnt umber · yellow ochre · titanium white · ultramarine blue
secondary · raw sienna · cadmium yellow · ivory black
Mix various shades of brown and tan for the lion's fur by combining burnt umber, yellow ochre, and white. Use ultramarine blue and white for the sky, and add a touch of yellow ochre for a warmer tone. Create the mountain colors by mixing blues, browns, and whites.
techniques
- ·dry brushing
- ·glazing
- ·scumbling
- ·blending
- ·layering
common pitfalls
- →Getting the proportions of the lion wrong.
- →Overworking the fur, resulting in a flat or lifeless appearance.
- →Failing to create a sense of depth in the landscape.
- →Using colors that are too saturated or unrealistic.
materials
surface · stretched canvas
required
- ·stretched canvas 18x24
- ·oil paints (burnt umber, yellow ochre, titanium white, ultramarine blue, raw sienna, ivory black)
- ·linseed oil
- ·turpentine or odorless mineral spirits
- ·assorted brushes (round and flat)
- ·palette
- ·palette knife
- ·rags
optional
- ·medium gloss
- ·retouch varnish
- ·easel
Use high-quality oil paints for best results. A medium-grit canvas will provide a good surface for layering and blending.
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