plate no. 5293

Oedipus Bids Farewell to Jocasta (study)

oil, canvasAcademicismmythological paintingfiguresarchitecturemythologygriefbuildingsdrama

experienced study

Recreating this painting will help students develop skills in figure drawing, drapery rendering, and creating a sense of depth through atmospheric perspective. It also provides practice in depicting complex emotions and narrative through visual elements.

technical profile

palette complexity

brushwork visibility

value contrast

compositional simplicity

study guide

est. 20 hrs

approach — 8 steps

step 01
Sketch the basic composition, focusing on the placement and proportions of the figures and architectural elements.
step 02
Establish the main value structure with a thin wash of burnt umber or a similar earth tone.
step 03
Begin blocking in the local colors of the figures' clothing and skin tones, paying attention to the light source.
step 04
Develop the drapery folds and shadows using darker values of the local colors.
step 05
Refine the facial features and expressions of the figures, capturing their emotions.
step 06
Add details to the architectural elements, such as the columns and buildings in the background.
step 07
Adjust the overall color harmony and value contrast to create a sense of depth and atmosphere.
step 08
Add final highlights and details to complete the painting.

color palette

primary · burnt umber · titanium white · cadmium red · ultramarine blue

secondary · yellow ochre · viridian green · raw sienna

Mix various shades of browns and grays by combining burnt umber, ultramarine blue, and titanium white. Use cadmium red and yellow ochre for warm skin tones, and add ultramarine blue for cooler shadows.

techniques