plate no. 5156
Procession
Charles Cottet, 1913
some experience helpful
Recreating this painting will help students develop skills in portraiture, figure painting, and creating depth through layering and atmospheric perspective. It also provides practice in capturing subtle variations in skin tones and clothing folds.
technical profile
palette complexity
3
brushwork visibility
4
value contrast
3
compositional simplicity
3
study guide
est. 12 hrsapproach — 8 steps
- step 01
Sketch the basic composition, focusing on the placement and proportions of the figures.
- step 02
Establish the background landscape with broad strokes, paying attention to the horizon line and the placement of the statue.
- step 03
Block in the main colors of the figures' clothing and head coverings, using a limited palette.
- step 04
Begin to refine the facial features and hands, paying attention to the light and shadow.
- step 05
Add details to the clothing, such as folds and textures, using short, broken brushstrokes.
- step 06
Refine the background landscape, adding details such as trees and foliage.
- step 07
Add highlights and shadows to create depth and dimension.
- step 08
Make final adjustments to the composition, ensuring that all elements are in harmony.
color palette
primary · ultramarine blue · burnt umber · titanium white
secondary · yellow ochre · cadmium red light
Mix various shades of blue and umber with white to create the cool tones of the clothing and sky. Use yellow ochre and cadmium red to create the warm tones of the skin and landscape.
techniques
- ·broken color
- ·scumbling
- ·dry brushing
- ·layering
- ·portraiture
common pitfalls
- →Overworking the details, which can result in a stiff and unnatural appearance.
- →Failing to establish a strong value structure, which can result in a flat and lifeless painting.
- →Ignoring the importance of color temperature, which can result in a painting that lacks harmony.
- →Not simplifying the background enough, which can distract from the figures.
materials
surface · stretched canvas
required
- ·stretched canvas
- ·oil paints
- ·palette
- ·palette knife
- ·assorted brushes
- ·linseed oil
- ·turpentine
optional
- ·painting medium
- ·varnish
- ·easel
Use a medium-grain canvas for best results. Consider using a limited palette of colors to simplify the mixing process.
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