plate no. 5844

S.O.S.

Evelyn De Morgan, 1916

oilRomanticismsymbolic paintingfiguredragonswaterskymythologywaves

experienced study

Recreating this painting will help students develop skills in figure drawing, drapery rendering, and creating atmospheric perspective. It also provides practice in depicting complex textures like water and scales.

technical profile

palette complexity

brushwork visibility

value contrast

compositional simplicity

study guide

est. 30 hrs

approach — 8 steps

step 01
Sketch the basic composition, focusing on the placement of the figure and dragons.
step 02
Establish the background sky with light purple and white washes, blending the colors smoothly.
step 03
Block in the main shapes of the figure and dragons with thin washes of color.
step 04
Begin adding details to the figure's drapery, paying attention to the folds and shadows.
step 05
Develop the dragons' scales and features, using darker tones to create depth.
step 06
Paint the water with varying shades of blue and white, adding highlights to suggest movement.
step 07
Refine the details of the figure's face and hair, using subtle color variations.
step 08
Add final highlights and shadows to enhance the overall realism and drama.

color palette

primary · titanium white · ultramarine blue · alizarin crimson

secondary · burnt umber · yellow ochre · violet

Mix various shades of purple for the sky by combining ultramarine blue and alizarin crimson with white. Use burnt umber and yellow ochre to create the dragons' scales, and mix white with blues and purples for the water.

techniques