plate no. 5204
Saint Anthony (part of Tapestry in six paintings)
some experience helpful
Recreating this painting will help students practice simplified forms and explore atmospheric perspective by using lighter values for distant objects. It will also help with understanding how to create a sense of depth using size and placement.
technical profile
palette complexity
2
brushwork visibility
3
value contrast
3
compositional simplicity
2
study guide
est. 8 hrsapproach — 8 steps
- step 01
Sketch the basic composition, including the horizon line, the road, the cart, and the main groups of figures and animals.
- step 02
Block in the large areas of color: sky, fields, trees, and the main elements of the cart and animals.
- step 03
Add details to the cart, including the figures inside and the decorative patterns.
- step 04
Paint the animals, focusing on their simplified shapes and positions.
- step 05
Add the figures along the road and the church in the distance, using lighter values to create atmospheric perspective.
- step 06
Refine the details of the trees and foliage, using darker greens and browns.
- step 07
Add the birds in the sky and any other small details.
- step 08
Review the painting and make any necessary adjustments to the colors, values, and details.
color palette
primary · dark green · brown · white · black
secondary · red · yellow · blue
Mix dark greens by combining dark blue and yellow, and lighten with white. Use browns by mixing red, yellow and black. Achieve lighter values for distant objects by adding white to the base colors.
techniques
- ·blocking in
- ·simplified forms
- ·atmospheric perspective
- ·dry brushing
- ·layering
common pitfalls
- →Overcomplicating the details of the figures and animals.
- →Using colors that are too bright or saturated.
- →Failing to create a sense of depth and distance.
- →Not simplifying the forms enough.
materials
surface · oilcloth
required
- ·Oil paints (dark green, brown, white, black, red, yellow, blue)
- ·Canvas or oilcloth
- ·Assorted brushes (round and flat)
- ·Palette
- ·Linseed oil or other painting medium
- ·Palette knife
- ·Odorless mineral spirits
- ·Rags
optional
- ·Retarder medium
- ·Varnish
Consider using a slightly textured canvas to mimic the surface of the original oilcloth. Use a limited palette to capture the simplicity of the original painting.
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