plate no. 0435

Saint Martin sharing his coat

Léo Schnug, 1906

ink, watercolorArt Nouveau (Modern)religious paintingfigureshorselandscapecityscapetreessky

some experience helpful

This painting provides an opportunity to practice figure drawing, perspective, and creating a sense of depth using value and line variations. Students can learn to simplify complex scenes into essential shapes and lines.

technical profile

palette complexity

brushwork visibility

value contrast

compositional simplicity

study guide

est. 8 hrs

approach — 8 steps

step 01
Lightly sketch the overall composition, focusing on the placement of the figures, horse, and landscape elements.
step 02
Establish the horizon line and basic perspective of the landscape.
step 03
Add details to the figures, paying attention to proportions and anatomy.
step 04
Apply a light wash of diluted brown or sepia watercolor to the sky and background.
step 05
Use darker washes to define shadows and create depth in the figures and landscape.
step 06
Add details with ink, using fine lines to define edges and textures.
step 07
Use a dry brush technique with watercolor to create texture in the trees and ground.
step 08
Refine the details and add highlights to complete the painting.

color palette

primary · sepia · burnt umber · payne's grey

secondary · raw sienna · ultramarine blue

Mix sepia and burnt umber for the warm browns. Use Payne's grey diluted for the cooler shadows. Add a touch of ultramarine to the grey for a deeper shadow.

techniques