plate no. 0346
Mary, Queen of Scots, Being Led to Her Execution
Laslett John Pott, 1871
experienced study
Recreating this painting will help students develop skills in rendering figures in complex lighting and creating a sense of depth through atmospheric perspective. It also offers practice in depicting textures like fabric and metal.
technical profile
palette complexity
3
brushwork visibility
3
value contrast
4
compositional simplicity
2
study guide
est. 40 hrsapproach — 8 steps
- step 01
Create a rough sketch to establish the composition and proportions of the figures and architecture.
- step 02
Block in the main areas of color, focusing on the overall value structure.
- step 03
Develop the background elements, paying attention to the subtle variations in tone and texture.
- step 04
Refine the figures, starting with the faces and then moving to the clothing and armor.
- step 05
Add details to the architectural elements, such as the stairs and windows.
- step 06
Pay close attention to the lighting and shadows, using them to create a sense of depth and drama.
- step 07
Add final highlights and details to bring the painting to life.
- step 08
Glaze with thin layers of color to unify the painting and create a sense of atmosphere.
color palette
primary · ivory black · raw umber · titanium white
secondary · cadmium red · yellow ochre · payne's gray
Mix blacks with umber and blue for depth. Use white sparingly to maintain the somber mood. Achieve skin tones with white, red, and yellow ochre.
techniques
- ·grisaille underpainting
- ·glazing
- ·scumbling
- ·chiaroscuro
- ·atmospheric perspective
common pitfalls
- →Overworking the details too early
- →Failing to establish a strong value structure
- →Using too much bright color
- →Ignoring the subtle variations in tone
materials
surface · stretched canvas
required
- ·stretched canvas
- ·ivory black oil paint
- ·raw umber oil paint
- ·titanium white oil paint
- ·cadmium red oil paint
- ·yellow ochre oil paint
- ·assorted brushes
- ·linseed oil
optional
- ·palette knife
- ·turpentine
- ·retouch varnish
- ·medium gloss
Use a high-quality canvas with a smooth surface for best results. Consider using a toned ground to help establish the overall value structure.
tips & new artworks in your inbox
no spam — unsubscribe anytime.
or to save artworks, chat, and track progress
in this vein
related artworks
Romantic Landscape
Karl Lessing
Self-portrait with his brother Francesco
Giuseppe Tominz
Oenone Refuse de Secourir Pâris au Siège de Troie
Léon Cogniet
Duke of Alba
Francisco Goya
Blick Aus Dem Wald Ins Tal
Andreas Achenbach
Young Girl Fixing Her Hair
Sophie Gengembre Anderson
The Plough Inn
William Shayer
Hudson River Landscape
Johann Hermann Carmiencke