plate no. 8751

Procession de Fete Dieu

Maurice Denis, 1904

oil, canvasSymbolismmythological paintingfiguresharpsgardenstairsprocessionarchitecture

some experience helpful

Recreating this painting will help students develop skills in depicting figures in groups and understanding how to use color to create a sense of depth and atmosphere. It also provides practice in simplifying complex forms into more abstract shapes.

technical profile

palette complexity

brushwork visibility

value contrast

compositional simplicity

study guide

est. 15 hrs

approach — 8 steps

step 01
Sketch the basic composition, focusing on the placement of the figures, harps, and architectural elements.
step 02
Block in the large areas of color, starting with the background and working towards the foreground.
step 03
Define the shapes of the figures and harps using simplified forms and subtle shading.
step 04
Add details to the foliage and flowers, using short, broken brushstrokes.
step 05
Refine the details of the faces and hands, paying attention to the subtle variations in tone.
step 06
Add highlights to the harps and figures to create a sense of depth and dimension.
step 07
Glaze with thin layers of color to unify the painting and create a sense of atmosphere.
step 08
Add final details and adjust values as needed.

color palette

primary · pale yellow · light green · lavender · rose

secondary · deep green · gold · purple

Mix pale yellows with white and a touch of yellow ochre. Achieve lavender by mixing white, blue, and a touch of red. Create depth in greens by layering different shades and adding touches of brown or blue.

techniques