plate no. 0744

Melbourne and Milbanke Families

oil, canvasRomanticismgenre paintingfigureshorsestreeslandscapedogcarriage

experienced study

Recreating this painting will help students develop skills in figure and animal painting, as well as understanding atmospheric perspective and creating depth through value changes. Students will also learn to mix subtle color variations to represent light and shadow.

technical profile

palette complexity

brushwork visibility

value contrast

compositional simplicity

study guide

est. 25 hrs

approach — 8 steps

step 01
Sketch the basic composition, focusing on the placement of the figures and horses.
step 02
Block in the large shapes of the background, starting with the sky and trees.
step 03
Establish the main value ranges for the figures and horses, paying attention to the light source.
step 04
Begin adding details to the figures, starting with the faces and clothing.
step 05
Refine the shapes and details of the horses, focusing on their anatomy and musculature.
step 06
Add the smaller details, such as the dog, carriage, and foliage.
step 07
Adjust the values and colors to create a sense of depth and atmosphere.
step 08
Add final highlights and details to complete the painting.

color palette

primary · burnt umber · raw sienna · ivory black · titanium white

secondary · ultramarine blue · cadmium yellow light · alizarin crimson

Mix various shades of brown and gray by combining burnt umber, raw sienna, ivory black, and titanium white. Use ultramarine blue to create cooler shadows and alizarin crimson to add warmth to the skin tones.

techniques