plate no. 5564

Seeking Shelter

oil, canvasAcademicismgenre paintingfigureschildrenbuildingdoorlandscapestorm

experienced study

Recreating this painting will help students develop skills in figure painting, particularly rendering realistic skin tones and drapery, as well as creating a sense of depth and atmosphere through value and color.

technical profile

palette complexity

brushwork visibility

value contrast

compositional simplicity

study guide

est. 20 hrs

approach — 8 steps

step 01
Sketch the basic composition, focusing on the placement of the figures and the main architectural elements.
step 02
Establish the dark background values using a thin wash of burnt umber and black.
step 03
Block in the main shapes of the figures with simplified color masses, paying attention to the light source.
step 04
Begin refining the skin tones, using a limited palette of white, yellow ochre, and red.
step 05
Develop the drapery, focusing on the folds and highlights created by the wind.
step 06
Add details to the building and landscape, using smaller brushes and more precise strokes.
step 07
Glaze thin layers of color to unify the painting and create depth.
step 08
Add final highlights and details to the figures' faces and clothing.

color palette

primary · burnt umber · titanium white · yellow ochre · ivory black

secondary · cadmium red · ultramarine blue · raw sienna

Achieve skin tones by mixing white, yellow ochre, and a touch of red. Use burnt umber and black to create the dark background and shadows. Mix ultramarine blue and burnt umber for the darker greens in the landscape.

techniques