plate no. 1642

Louis Xiv Before Strasbourg

oil, canvasBaroqueportraithorsefigurelandscapeskycityscapeclouds

experienced study

Recreating this painting will help students develop skills in rendering complex textures like fabric and hair, as well as understanding atmospheric perspective in landscape painting. Students will also learn to depict the anatomy of a horse and human figure in motion.

technical profile

palette complexity

brushwork visibility

value contrast

compositional simplicity

study guide

est. 25 hrs

approach — 8 steps

step 01
Create a rough sketch outlining the basic shapes and proportions of the horse, rider, and landscape.
step 02
Block in the main colors of the sky, landscape, horse, and figure using thin washes.
step 03
Develop the values and forms of the horse and rider, paying attention to anatomical accuracy and light/shadow.
step 04
Add details to the clothing, hair, and tack, using smaller brushes and more refined brushstrokes.
step 05
Refine the landscape, adding details to the trees, grass, and distant cityscape.
step 06
Work on the sky, blending the clouds and adding subtle color variations.
step 07
Add highlights and shadows to create depth and dimension.
step 08
Apply final details and adjustments to complete the painting.

color palette

primary · burnt umber · titanium white · cadmium red · ultramarine blue

secondary · yellow ochre · ivory black · gold

Mix various shades of brown for the horse by combining burnt umber, red, and black. Achieve the sky colors by blending white, blue, and a touch of red. Use yellow ochre and white to create highlights on the clothing and tack.

techniques

·glazing
·scumbling
·dry brushing
·chiaroscuro
·atmospheric perspective

common pitfalls

→Incorrect proportions of the horse or rider.
→Overly stiff or static poses.
→Lack of depth and dimension in the landscape.
→Muddy or dull colors.
→Inaccurate rendering of fabric textures.

materials

surface · stretched canvas

required

·stretched canvas 18x24
·oil paints (burnt umber, titanium white, cadmium red, ultramarine blue, yellow ochre, ivory black)
·linseed oil
·turpentine
·assorted brushes (round, flat, filbert)
·palette
·palette knife