plate no. 0696

Peacock and Peahen with a Red Cardinal in a Classical Landscape

oilBaroqueanimal paintingpeacocksbirdslandscapetreesarchitecturefoliage

some experience helpful

Recreating this painting will help students develop skills in layering colors to create depth and detail, as well as understanding atmospheric perspective to create a sense of distance. It also encourages careful observation of animal anatomy and plumage.

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 of the peacocks, architecture, and foliage.
step 02
Block in the background with thin washes of color, establishing the sky and distant landscape.
step 03
Establish the basic shapes and colors of the peacocks, paying attention to their proportions and anatomy.
step 04
Begin layering colors on the peacocks to create depth and detail in their plumage.
step 05
Add details to the architecture, such as the columns and fountain, using light and shadow to create form.
step 06
Paint the foliage, using a variety of greens and browns to create texture and depth.
step 07
Add the smaller birds and other details to the painting.
step 08
Refine the painting by adding highlights and shadows, and adjusting the colors as needed.

color palette

primary · burnt umber · yellow ochre · titanium white · ultramarine blue

secondary · cadmium red · sap green · ivory black

Mix greens by combining yellow ochre, ultramarine blue, and a touch of burnt umber. Achieve the peacock's iridescent colors by layering thin glazes of blues, greens, and browns.

techniques