plate no. 8631

Princess Parizade Bringing Home the Singing Tree

Maxfield Parrish, 1906

oilSymbolismillustrationfigurelandscapemountainstreecloudssky

experienced study

Recreating this painting will help students develop skills in rendering complex drapery, atmospheric perspective, and creating a sense of depth through tonal variations and color temperature.

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 figure, mountains, and tree.
step 02
Establish the background sky and distant landscape using thin washes of color.
step 03
Block in the main shapes of the mountains and foreground rock, paying attention to light and shadow.
step 04
Begin layering colors to define the drapery, using a combination of blending and glazing techniques.
step 05
Refine the figure's features and details, paying attention to proportions and expression.
step 06
Paint the tree, focusing on the shapes of the leaves and branches.
step 07
Add highlights and shadows to create depth and dimension throughout the painting.
step 08
Glaze with thin layers of color to unify the composition and enhance the overall mood.

color palette

primary · red ochre · ultramarine blue · yellow ochre · titanium white

secondary · viridian green · burnt umber

Mix various shades of red-brown for the drapery, using red ochre, burnt umber, and ultramarine blue. Achieve atmospheric perspective by lightening and cooling colors as they recede into the distance.

techniques