plate no. 7084
Napoleon's entry into Munich on October 24, 1805
Nicolas Antoine Taunay, 1810
experienced study
Recreating this painting will help students develop skills in depicting atmospheric perspective and rendering complex scenes with many figures. It also provides practice in color mixing to achieve realistic skin tones and foliage.
technical profile
palette complexity
4
brushwork visibility
3
value contrast
3
compositional simplicity
2
study guide
est. 25 hrsapproach — 8 steps
- step 01
Begin with a light sketch to establish the overall composition and perspective.
- step 02
Block in the sky and distant buildings with thin washes of color.
- step 03
Establish the main tree mass and the general shapes of the figures in the foreground.
- step 04
Develop the details of the buildings, paying attention to the diminishing scale as they recede.
- step 05
Refine the figures, adding details to their clothing and faces.
- step 06
Add highlights and shadows to create depth and dimension.
- step 07
Work on the foliage, using layers of color to create texture.
- step 08
Add final details and adjust values to create a cohesive and balanced composition.
color palette
primary · ultramarine blue · yellow ochre · burnt umber · titanium white
secondary · cadmium red · viridian green · ivory black
Achieve the sky colors by mixing ultramarine blue with titanium white, gradually adding yellow ochre for warmer tones. Create realistic skin tones by mixing cadmium red, yellow ochre, burnt umber, and titanium white.
techniques
- ·atmospheric perspective
- ·figure drawing
- ·color layering
- ·glazing
- ·scumbling
common pitfalls
- →Overworking details too early in the process.
- →Failing to establish a clear sense of perspective.
- →Using colors that are too saturated.
- →Ignoring the importance of value contrast.
- →Getting lost in the details of the figures and losing the overall composition.
materials
surface · stretched canvas
required
- ·stretched canvas 18x24
- ·oil paints
- ·palette
- ·assorted brushes (round and flat)
- ·linseed oil
- ·turpentine
- ·palette knife
optional
- ·medium gloss
- ·easel
- ·color chart
- ·mahl stick
Use a medium-tooth canvas for best results. Consider using a limited palette to simplify the color mixing process.
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