plate no. 9166
Mercury
Hendrick Goltzius, 1611
canvas, oilMannerism (Late Renaissance)mythological paintingfiguremythologyarchitecturelandscaperoosterdrapery
experienced study
Recreating this painting will help students develop skills in figure drawing, anatomical accuracy, and rendering realistic skin tones. Students will also learn to depict complex drapery and architectural elements.
technical profile
palette complexity
4
brushwork visibility
3
value contrast
4
compositional simplicity
3
study guide
est. 40 hrsapproach — 8 steps
- step 01
Begin with a light sketch outlining the main figure, architecture, and other key elements.
- step 02
Establish the basic values and shadows using a limited palette of earth tones.
- step 03
Develop the skin tones by layering thin glazes of color, paying attention to subtle shifts in hue and value.
- step 04
Refine the details of the face, hands, and feet, focusing on anatomical accuracy.
- step 05
Paint the drapery, capturing the folds and highlights with careful observation.
- step 06
Add the architectural background, paying attention to perspective and atmospheric perspective.
- step 07
Paint the rooster and other details in the foreground, adding texture and detail.
- step 08
Apply final glazes and highlights to unify the painting and enhance the overall effect.
color palette
primary · titanium white · raw umber · burnt sienna · cadmium red
secondary · ultramarine blue · yellow ochre · ivory black
Achieve realistic skin tones by mixing white, raw umber, burnt sienna, and cadmium red. Use ultramarine blue and ivory black to create cool shadows.
techniques
- ·glazing
- ·scumbling
- ·chiaroscuro
- ·figure drawing
- ·drapery study
common pitfalls
- →inaccurate proportions
- →muddy colors
- →overworked details
- →lack of value contrast
materials
surface · stretched canvas
required
- ·stretched canvas
- ·oil paints
- ·turpentine
- ·linseed oil
- ·assorted brushes
- ·palette
- ·palette knife
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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