plate no. 5851

Narcissus

oilBaroquemythological paintingfigurelandscapetreewaterreflectionmythology

experienced study

Recreating this painting will help students develop skills in figure drawing, anatomy, and rendering light and shadow on skin tones. It also provides practice in creating atmospheric perspective in a landscape.

technical profile

palette complexity

brushwork visibility

value contrast

compositional simplicity

study guide

est. 20 hrs

approach — 8 steps

step 01
Create a preliminary sketch outlining the figure's pose and the basic landscape elements.
step 02
Block in the main areas of color, focusing on the overall value structure.
step 03
Develop the figure's form by layering highlights and shadows, paying close attention to anatomical accuracy.
step 04
Refine the details of the drapery, capturing its folds and textures.
step 05
Paint the background landscape, using lighter values and softer edges to create depth.
step 06
Add the reflection in the water, mirroring the figure and landscape with subtle distortions.
step 07
Adjust the overall color harmony and value relationships to create a cohesive composition.
step 08
Add final details and highlights to enhance the realism and visual impact of the painting.

color palette

primary · titanium white · cadmium red · yellow ochre · burnt umber

secondary · ultramarine blue · ivory black · raw sienna

Mix skin tones using titanium white, yellow ochre, cadmium red, and a touch of burnt umber. Create shadows by adding ultramarine blue or ivory black to the skin tone mixture. Achieve the red of the drapery by mixing cadmium red with a touch of burnt umber for darker shades and titanium white for highlights.

techniques