plate no. 1895

Oath of Vittorio Emanuele III

Achille Beltrame, 1900

oilArt Nouveau (Modern)illustrationfiguresuniformsfurniturethroneinteriorswords

experienced study

Recreating this painting will help students develop skills in rendering complex textures like fabric and metal, as well as understanding how to depict accurate proportions and perspective in a multi-figure composition. It also provides practice in painting detailed ornamentation and decorative elements.

technical profile

palette complexity

brushwork visibility

value contrast

compositional simplicity

study guide

est. 20 hrs

approach — 8 steps

step 01
Begin with a light sketch to establish the overall composition and proportions of the figures and furniture.
step 02
Block in the main shapes and colors of the background, figures, and furniture using broad strokes.
step 03
Start refining the details of the uniforms, paying close attention to the folds and highlights.
step 04
Add the intricate details of the throne and other decorative elements, using smaller brushes.
step 05
Develop the facial features and expressions of the figures, focusing on accurate likenesses.
step 06
Refine the lighting and shadows to create depth and dimension.
step 07
Add final details such as the swords, medals, and other accessories.
step 08
Make final adjustments to the colors and values to achieve a cohesive and polished look.

color palette

primary · black · red · gold · grey

secondary · green · white · brown

Achieve the dark uniform colors by mixing black with burnt umber and a touch of blue. Create the gold tones by mixing yellow ochre with burnt sienna and white. Mix various shades of red with crimson and a touch of brown for the furniture.

techniques

·layering
·glazing
·rendering
·modeling
·hatching

common pitfalls

→Incorrect proportions of the figures and furniture.
→Overly stiff or unnatural poses.
→Lack of attention to detail in the uniforms and decorative elements.
→Poor color mixing resulting in muddy or unrealistic tones.

materials

surface · stretched canvas

required

·Stretched canvas 18x24
·Oil paints: black, red, gold, grey, green, white, brown, burnt umber, yellow ochre, crimson, blue
·Assorted brushes (round, flat, detail)
·Palette
·Palette knife
·Linseed oil
·Odorless mineral spirits
·Rags