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home·artworks·Louis XV Hunting Deer in the Saint-Germain Forest
Louis XV Hunting Deer in the Saint-Germain Forest by Jean-Baptiste Oudry

plate no. 7503

Louis XV Hunting Deer in the Saint-Germain Forest

Jean-Baptiste Oudry, 1730

oilRococogenre paintingfigureshorsesdogstreeslandscapehunting
experienced study

Recreating this painting will help students develop skills in depicting complex scenes with multiple figures and animals, as well as understanding atmospheric perspective and creating depth through layering.

technical profile

palette complexity
4
brushwork visibility
4
value contrast
3
compositional simplicity
2

study guide

est. 25 hrs

approach — 8 steps

  1. step 01

    Begin with a light sketch outlining the main shapes and composition, focusing on the placement of the figures, horses, and the overall landscape.

  2. step 02

    Establish the background by painting the sky and distant landscape using thin washes of color, paying attention to atmospheric perspective.

  3. step 03

    Block in the main shapes of the trees and foliage, using a variety of greens and browns, and create depth by layering darker tones in the foreground.

  4. step 04

    Start painting the figures and horses, focusing on their anatomy and proportions, and use a limited palette to create a sense of unity.

  5. step 05

    Add details to the figures' clothing and faces, using small brushes and precise strokes, and pay attention to the light and shadow.

  6. step 06

    Paint the dogs, capturing their movement and energy, and use a variety of whites, browns, and blacks to create their distinctive markings.

  7. step 07

    Add the water and reflections, using horizontal brushstrokes and subtle color variations, and create a sense of depth by layering darker tones in the foreground.

  8. step 08

    Refine the details and add highlights to create a sense of realism and depth, and use glazes to unify the colors and create a sense of atmosphere.

color palette

primary · ultramarine blue · burnt umber · yellow ochre

secondary · titanium white · cadmium red light · sap green

Achieve the muted greens by mixing yellow ochre, ultramarine blue, and a touch of burnt umber. Create the flesh tones by mixing titanium white, cadmium red light, and yellow ochre.

techniques

  • ·glazing
  • ·scumbling
  • ·dry brushing
  • ·atmospheric perspective
  • ·figure drawing

common pitfalls

  • →Overworking the details too early
  • →Ignoring the overall composition and focusing on individual elements
  • →Using colors that are too bright or saturated
  • →Failing to create a sense of depth and atmosphere

materials

surface · stretched canvas

required

  • ·stretched canvas 18x24
  • ·oil paints
  • ·linseed oil
  • ·turpentine
  • ·palette
  • ·assorted brushes (round, flat, filbert)
  • ·palette knife
  • ·rags

optional

  • ·medium gloss
  • ·retouch varnish
  • ·easel

Use high-quality oil paints for best results. Allow each layer to dry before applying the next.

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oil painting for beginners →how to learn by studying the masters →
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