plate no. 4570

Roger de Flor's entry into Constantinople

canvas, oilAcademicismhistory paintingfigureshorsesarchitectureprocessionflagscityscape

experienced study

Recreating this painting will develop skills in depicting complex scenes with many figures, understanding atmospheric perspective, and rendering textures of different materials like fabric, metal, and stone. It also provides practice in capturing dynamic movement and creating a sense of depth.

technical profile

palette complexity

brushwork visibility

value contrast

compositional simplicity

study guide

est. 40 hrs

approach — 8 steps

step 01
Begin with a light sketch to establish the overall composition, focusing on the placement of key figures and architectural elements.
step 02
Block in the main shapes and colors, paying attention to the overall value structure and atmospheric perspective.
step 03
Develop the background elements, such as the cityscape and sky, using soft, blended brushstrokes.
step 04
Refine the figures, starting with the central characters and gradually working outwards, adding details and textures.
step 05
Pay close attention to the lighting and shadows, using them to create depth and volume.
step 06
Add details to the horses, including their musculature and tack.
step 07
Render the textures of the fabrics, metal, and stone, using a variety of brushstrokes and techniques.
step 08
Make final adjustments to the colors, values, and details to create a cohesive and visually appealing painting.

color palette

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

secondary · cadmium red · ivory black · raw sienna · gold

Achieve the muted tones by mixing earth tones with white and small amounts of blue or red. Use glazes of transparent colors to create depth and luminosity.

techniques

·glazing
·scumbling
·dry brushing
·chiaroscuro
·atmospheric perspective

common pitfalls

→Getting lost in the details too early, before establishing the overall composition and value structure.
→Overworking the painting, resulting in a muddy or lifeless appearance.
→Failing to create a sense of depth and atmosphere.
→Inaccurate proportions of figures and horses.

materials

surface · stretched canvas

required

·stretched canvas 24x36
·oil paints (burnt umber, yellow ochre, titanium white, ultramarine blue, cadmium red, ivory black, raw sienna)
·linseed oil
·turpentine
·assorted brushes (round, flat, filbert)
·palette
·palette knife
·rags