plate no. 2699
Ronde De Mai
Henri-Pierre Picou, 1873
experienced study
Recreating this painting will help students develop skills in figure drawing, particularly the rendering of skin tones and drapery, as well as understanding complex compositions with multiple figures.
technical profile
palette complexity
4
brushwork visibility
3
value contrast
4
compositional simplicity
2
study guide
est. 40 hrsapproach — 8 steps
- step 01
Begin with a light sketch to establish the overall composition and placement of figures and the tree.
- step 02
Block in the main shapes and values using thin washes of color, focusing on the light and shadow patterns.
- step 03
Develop the skin tones of the figures, layering colors to create depth and form.
- step 04
Add details to the drapery, paying attention to the folds and highlights.
- step 05
Paint the tree trunk and branches, using a variety of browns and greens.
- step 06
Refine the background and foliage, creating a sense of depth and atmosphere.
- step 07
Add final details and highlights to the figures and landscape.
- step 08
Glaze with thin layers to unify the color palette.
color palette
primary · titanium white · burnt umber · cadmium red · yellow ochre
secondary · ultramarine blue · sap green · alizarin crimson
Achieve skin tones by mixing titanium white, cadmium red, yellow ochre, and a touch of burnt umber. Use ultramarine blue and burnt umber to create darker shadows in the trees and foliage.
techniques
- ·figure drawing
- ·glazing
- ·scumbling
- ·chiaroscuro
- ·drapery rendering
common pitfalls
- →Overworking the skin tones and losing the sense of luminosity.
- →Failing to create a sense of depth in the background.
- →Inaccurate proportions of the figures.
- →Ignoring the subtle color variations in the shadows.
materials
surface · stretched canvas
required
- ·stretched canvas
- ·titanium white oil paint
- ·burnt umber oil paint
- ·cadmium red oil paint
- ·yellow ochre oil paint
- ·ultramarine blue oil paint
- ·assorted brushes (round and flat)
- ·linseed oil
optional
- ·palette knife
- ·medium gloss
- ·turpentine
Use high-quality oil paints for best results. Consider using a toned canvas to help establish the overall color palette.
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