plate no. 1636

Scene of brigands with the fortune teller

François-Joseph Navez, 1821

oil, canvasNeoclassicismgenre paintingfiguresfortune tellerbrigandsclothinglandscapeshadows

study guide

est. 30 hrs

approach — 7 steps

step 01
Create a preliminary sketch to establish the composition and proportions of the figures.
step 02
Block in the main shapes and values using thin washes of color.
step 03
Begin refining the skin tones, paying close attention to the subtle variations in color and value.
step 04
Develop the details of the clothing and accessories, capturing the textures and patterns.
step 05
Work on the background, establishing the atmospheric perspective and creating a sense of depth.
step 06
Refine the lighting and shadows, adding highlights and deepening the dark areas.
step 07
Add final details and adjustments to complete the painting.

color palette

primary · burnt umber · raw sienna · titanium white · ivory black

secondary · cadmium red · yellow ochre · ultramarine blue

Mix skin tones using a combination of burnt umber, raw sienna, titanium white, and small amounts of cadmium red and ultramarine blue. Achieve the darker tones by adding ivory black.

techniques