plate no. 6785

Marsyas Flayed by the Order of Apollo

Charles-Andre van Loo (Carle van Loo), 1735

oil, canvasRococomythological paintingfiguresmythologytreeskylandscapetorture

experienced study

Recreating this painting will help students develop skills in figure drawing, anatomical accuracy, and rendering realistic skin tones with subtle color variations. It also provides practice in depicting complex compositions with multiple figures in dynamic poses.

technical profile

palette complexity

brushwork visibility

value contrast

compositional simplicity

study guide

est. 30 hrs

approach — 8 steps

step 01
Create a preliminary sketch to establish the composition and proportions of the figures.
step 02
Block in the main shapes and forms with thin washes of color, focusing on the overall value structure.
step 03
Begin to develop the figures, paying close attention to anatomical details and muscle structure.
step 04
Layer and blend colors to create realistic skin tones, using highlights and shadows to define form.
step 05
Paint the background elements, such as the tree, sky, and landscape, using loose brushstrokes and subtle color variations.
step 06
Add details to the figures, such as facial features, hair, and clothing.
step 07
Refine the overall composition, adjusting values and colors as needed to create a sense of depth and atmosphere.
step 08
Add final highlights and details to complete the painting.

color palette

primary · titanium white · raw umber · cadmium red light · yellow ochre

secondary · ultramarine blue · burnt sienna · ivory black

Achieve skin tones by mixing titanium white, yellow ochre, cadmium red light, and a touch of raw umber. Use ultramarine blue and burnt sienna to create muted greens for the foliage.

techniques