plate no. 6799
Seraphim
some experience helpful
Recreating this painting will help students practice layering colors to create depth and form, as well as understanding how to depict light and shadow on complex shapes like wings. It also provides experience in rendering a portrait with a serene expression.
technical profile
palette complexity
3
brushwork visibility
3
value contrast
3
compositional simplicity
4
study guide
est. 12 hrsapproach — 8 steps
- step 01
Sketch the basic shapes of the angel, wings, and halo, paying attention to proportions.
- step 02
Block in the background color with a thin wash.
- step 03
Establish the main color masses for the wings, using darker tones for shadows and lighter tones for highlights.
- step 04
Paint the face and neck, focusing on subtle value changes to create form.
- step 05
Add details to the wings, defining individual feathers and their textures.
- step 06
Paint the halo with a flat gold color, adding subtle variations for interest.
- step 07
Refine the details of the face, adding highlights to the eyes and lips.
- step 08
Add final touches and adjust values as needed to create a cohesive image.
color palette
primary · burnt umber · yellow ochre · ultramarine blue · titanium white
secondary · cadmium yellow · viridian green · alizarin crimson
Mix various shades of brown and blue for the wings. Use yellow ochre and white for the skin tones, adding touches of red for warmth. Create the gold halo by mixing yellow ochre with a touch of burnt umber.
techniques
- ·layering
- ·blending
- ·dry brushing
- ·glazing
- ·scumbling
common pitfalls
- →Overblending, which can result in a muddy appearance.
- →Failing to establish a strong value structure early on.
- →Getting lost in details before establishing the overall form.
- →Not paying enough attention to the subtle color variations in the wings.
materials
surface · stretched canvas
required
- ·stretched canvas
- ·acrylic or oil paints
- ·round brushes (sizes 2, 4, 6)
- ·flat brushes (sizes 4, 8)
- ·palette
- ·palette knife
- ·linseed oil (if using oil paints)
- ·mineral spirits or turpentine (for cleaning brushes)
optional
- ·medium gloss
- ·retarder medium
- ·easel
Use a canvas with a smooth surface for easier blending. Consider using a medium to slow the drying time of the paints, allowing for more blending.
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