
plate no. 7503
Jean-Baptiste Oudry, 1730
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
approach — 8 steps
Begin with a light sketch outlining the main shapes and composition, focusing on the placement of the figures, horses, and the overall landscape.
Establish the background by painting the sky and distant landscape using thin washes of color, paying attention to atmospheric perspective.
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.
Start painting the figures and horses, focusing on their anatomy and proportions, and use a limited palette to create a sense of unity.
Add details to the figures' clothing and faces, using small brushes and precise strokes, and pay attention to the light and shadow.
Paint the dogs, capturing their movement and energy, and use a variety of whites, browns, and blacks to create their distinctive markings.
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.
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
common pitfalls
surface · stretched canvas
required
optional
Use high-quality oil paints for best results. Allow each layer to dry before applying the next.
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