plate no. 9783
Peaceable Kingdom
Edward Hicks, 1830
some experience helpful
Recreating this painting will help students develop skills in layering colors to create depth and texture, as well as simplifying complex forms into basic shapes. It also provides practice in depicting a variety of textures, from fur to fabric.
technical profile
palette complexity
3
brushwork visibility
4
value contrast
3
compositional simplicity
2
study guide
est. 15 hrsapproach — 8 steps
- step 01
Sketch the basic composition, focusing on the placement of the figures, animals, and landscape elements.
- step 02
Block in the main color areas for the sky, ground, and background trees.
- step 03
Begin adding details to the figures and animals, starting with the darkest values and gradually adding highlights.
- step 04
Work on the landscape details, such as the trees, bushes, and grass, using layering and dry brushing techniques.
- step 05
Refine the details of the figures in the background, paying attention to their simplified forms and clothing.
- step 06
Add the text 'Good-Will to Men' and other inscriptions with a fine brush.
- step 07
Adjust the overall color balance and contrast to create a sense of harmony and depth.
- step 08
Add final details and highlights to complete the painting.
color palette
primary · yellow ochre · raw umber · titanium white · ultramarine blue
secondary · burnt sienna · cadmium red · ivory black
Mix various shades of brown and green by combining yellow ochre, raw umber, ultramarine blue, and ivory black. Use titanium white to lighten colors and create highlights.
techniques
- ·layering
- ·dry brushing
- ·scumbling
- ·glazing
- ·simplification of forms
common pitfalls
- →Overworking the details and losing the naïve charm of the original.
- →Using colors that are too bright or saturated.
- →Failing to simplify the forms of the figures and animals.
- →Ignoring the importance of layering and glazing to create depth.
materials
surface · stretched canvas
required
- ·stretched canvas
- ·acrylic or oil paints
- ·round brushes (sizes 2, 4, 6)
- ·flat brushes (sizes 4, 8)
- ·palette
- ·palette knife
- ·linseed oil (if using oil paints)
- ·mineral spirits (for cleaning brushes)
optional
- ·retarder medium (for acrylics)
- ·varnish
- ·easel
Use a medium-grain canvas for best results. Acrylic paints are a good option for beginners due to their fast drying time and ease of cleanup.
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