plate no. 8114

Procession of the Crusaders led by Pierre l'Ermite and Godefroy de Bouillon

oil, canvasAcademicismhistory paintingfigurescrusadersflagslandscapecityreligious

experienced study

Recreating this painting will develop skills in figure drawing, composition, and creating depth through atmospheric perspective. Students will also learn to mix a wide range of skin tones and fabric colors.

technical profile

palette complexity

brushwork visibility

value contrast

compositional simplicity

study guide

est. 30 hrs

approach — 8 steps

step 01
Create a rough sketch to establish the overall composition and placement of figures.
step 02
Block in the background landscape and sky with broad strokes.
step 03
Begin to define the main figures, focusing on accurate proportions and poses.
step 04
Establish the basic color palette for each figure's clothing and armor.
step 05
Add details to the faces, including highlights and shadows to create form.
step 06
Refine the background elements, adding details to the city and distant figures.
step 07
Add highlights and shadows to create depth and dimension.
step 08
Apply final details, such as textures and patterns on clothing and armor.

color palette

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

secondary · cadmium red · viridian green · ivory black

Mix various shades of brown and gray by combining burnt umber, yellow ochre, and ultramarine blue. Achieve skin tones by mixing titanium white, yellow ochre, cadmium red, and a touch of burnt umber.

techniques

·figure drawing
·atmospheric perspective
·glazing
·color mixing
·rendering fabrics

common pitfalls

→Incorrect proportions of figures
→Overly saturated colors
→Lack of depth in the background
→Ignoring the light source
→Getting lost in details too early

materials

surface · stretched canvas

required

·Stretched canvas (18x24 inches)
·Oil paints (titanium white, yellow ochre, burnt umber, ultramarine blue, cadmium red, viridian green, ivory black)
·Assorted brushes (round, flat, filbert)
·Palette
·Palette knife
·Linseed oil
·Odorless mineral spirits
·Rags