plate no. 2588

Merlin taking away the infant Arthur

oilRomanticismillustrationfiguresbuildingstonebabyrobesdoorway

some experience helpful

Recreating this painting will help students develop skills in figure painting, drapery, and creating a sense of depth through atmospheric perspective. It also provides practice in rendering textures like stone and fabric.

technical profile

palette complexity

brushwork visibility

value contrast

compositional simplicity

study guide

est. 15 hrs

approach — 8 steps

step 01
Sketch the basic composition, focusing on the placement of figures and the architecture.
step 02
Block in the main color areas for the figures, building, and background.
step 03
Develop the values and details of the figures, paying attention to the folds of the drapery and facial features.
step 04
Add details to the building, including the texture of the stone and the archway.
step 05
Refine the background and add atmospheric perspective to create depth.
step 06
Add highlights and shadows to create form and dimension.
step 07
Paint the details of the baby and the clothing.
step 08
Make final adjustments to the composition and color balance.

color palette

primary · ochre · ultramarine blue · burnt sienna

secondary · gray · white · yellow ochre

Mix ochre and white for the stone. Create various grays by mixing ultramarine blue, burnt sienna, and white. Use burnt sienna and white for skin tones, adding a touch of red for warmth.

techniques