plate no. 0886
Pandora
Jules Joseph Lefebvre, 1882
experienced study
Recreating this painting would help students develop skills in figure drawing, particularly rendering skin tones and anatomy, as well as creating a sense of depth and atmosphere through subtle value changes.
technical profile
palette complexity
4
brushwork visibility
3
value contrast
4
compositional simplicity
3
study guide
est. 20 hrsapproach — 8 steps
- step 01
Begin with a light sketch outlining the figure, rock, and main compositional elements.
- step 02
Establish the dark background using a thin wash of black or dark brown.
- step 03
Block in the basic skin tones, focusing on the overall value structure.
- step 04
Develop the form of the figure by layering and blending colors, paying attention to highlights and shadows.
- step 05
Paint the rock, using a variety of grays and browns to create texture and depth.
- step 06
Add the drapery, focusing on the folds and highlights to create a sense of movement.
- step 07
Paint the water with subtle variations of blues and greens.
- step 08
Add final details, such as the box and the star above the figure's head.
color palette
primary · titanium white · yellow ochre · burnt sienna · ivory black
secondary · ultramarine blue · alizarin crimson · violet
Skin tones are achieved by mixing white, yellow ochre, and a touch of red. Grays for the rock are created by mixing black and white with small amounts of brown or blue.
techniques
- ·glazing
- ·scumbling
- ·blending
- ·chiaroscuro
- ·figure drawing
common pitfalls
- →Overworking the skin tones, resulting in a flat or lifeless appearance.
- →Failing to create a sense of depth in the background.
- →Inaccurately rendering the anatomy of the figure.
- →Getting the proportions wrong in the initial sketch.
materials
surface · stretched canvas
required
- ·stretched canvas
- ·titanium white oil paint
- ·yellow ochre oil paint
- ·burnt sienna oil paint
- ·ivory black oil paint
- ·ultramarine blue oil paint
- ·alizarin crimson oil paint
- ·assorted brushes (round and flat)
optional
- ·palette knife
- ·linseed oil
- ·turpentine
- ·medium gloss
Use high-quality oil paints for best results. A medium-sized canvas (16x20 or 18x24) is recommended.
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