plate no. 9570

News of Battle. Edinburgh after Flodden

oilRomanticismhistory paintingfigureshorsearmortownbuildingflag

experienced study

Recreating this painting will help students develop skills in depicting complex scenes with many figures, managing light and shadow to create depth, and rendering textures like fabric and metal.

technical profile

palette complexity

brushwork visibility

value contrast

compositional simplicity

study guide

est. 30 hrs

approach — 8 steps

step 01
Begin with a light sketch to establish the overall composition and placement of figures and buildings.
step 02
Block in the main shapes and values using thin washes of color.
step 03
Establish the light source and begin building up the values, focusing on the areas of highest contrast.
step 04
Develop the details of the figures, paying attention to anatomy and drapery.
step 05
Render the textures of the armor, fabric, and buildings using appropriate brushstrokes.
step 06
Refine the details and add highlights to create a sense of realism.
step 07
Glaze over certain areas to unify the colors and create a sense of atmosphere.
step 08
Add final details and adjust values as needed.

color palette

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

secondary · cadmium red · yellow ochre · ultramarine blue

Achieve the muted tones by mixing earth tones with white and small amounts of blue or red. Use glazes of burnt umber and raw sienna to create depth and atmosphere.

techniques