plate no. 4245
Peacock
Mikhail Vrubel, 1901
some experience helpful
Recreating this painting will help students develop skills in layering colors to create depth and texture, as well as understanding how to simplify complex forms into basic shapes.
technical profile
palette complexity
3
brushwork visibility
4
value contrast
3
compositional simplicity
4
study guide
est. 10 hrsapproach — 8 steps
- step 01
Sketch the basic shapes of the peacock, foliage, and ornaments, paying attention to the overall composition.
- step 02
Block in the background with a light, warm color.
- step 03
Apply the base colors for the peacock, using dark browns and blacks.
- step 04
Layer in the colors of the foliage and ornaments, starting with the lighter shades and gradually adding darker tones.
- step 05
Add details to the peacock's feathers and head, using small brushstrokes and varying the colors.
- step 06
Create texture by using dry brush techniques and layering paint.
- step 07
Refine the details and add highlights to create depth and dimension.
- step 08
Add a final glaze to unify the colors and create a sense of atmosphere.
color palette
primary · burnt umber · raw sienna · ivory black
secondary · yellow ochre · cadmium red light · titanium white
Mix burnt umber and ivory black for the peacock's body. Use raw sienna and yellow ochre for the foliage. Add titanium white to lighten colors and create highlights.
techniques
- ·dry brushing
- ·layering
- ·glazing
- ·scumbling
- ·color mixing
common pitfalls
- →Overworking the details
- →Using too much paint
- →Not creating enough contrast
- →Ignoring the underlying structure of the forms
materials
surface · stretched canvas
required
- ·stretched canvas
- ·burnt umber oil paint
- ·raw sienna oil paint
- ·ivory black oil paint
- ·yellow ochre oil paint
- ·#4 round brush
- ·#8 flat brush
optional
- ·palette knife
- ·linseed oil
- ·turpentine
Use a medium-grit canvas for better texture. Consider using a limited palette to simplify color mixing.
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