plate no. 1015

Loss of Innocence

oilAcademicismnude painting (nu)figureangelstatuegardenflowerstrees

experienced study

Recreating this painting will help students develop skills in figure painting, particularly rendering skin tones and drapery, as well as creating atmospheric perspective in a landscape setting. It also provides practice in depicting classical themes and allegorical subjects.

technical profile

palette complexity

brushwork visibility

value contrast

compositional simplicity

study guide

est. 25 hrs

approach — 8 steps

step 01
Sketch the basic composition, focusing on the placement and proportions of the figures and statue.
step 02
Establish the background with broad washes of color, creating a sense of depth and atmosphere.
step 03
Block in the main areas of color for the figures, statue, and drapery.
step 04
Begin to refine the forms of the figures, paying close attention to anatomy and light/shadow.
step 05
Develop the details of the drapery, creating folds and textures with careful brushwork.
step 06
Add details to the statue, including the facial features and the texture of the stone.
step 07
Paint the flowers, using small brushstrokes to capture their delicate forms and colors.
step 08
Add final highlights and shadows to create a sense of realism and depth.

color palette

primary · titanium white · yellow ochre · ultramarine blue · alizarin crimson

secondary · burnt umber · sap green · cadmium yellow light

Achieve skin tones by mixing titanium white, yellow ochre, and a touch of alizarin crimson. Create the blue drapery by mixing ultramarine blue with titanium white and a touch of alizarin crimson. Use burnt umber and sap green to create the various greens in the background.

techniques