plate no. 6959

So, how is your appetite, troll mother continued

John Bauer, 1915

oilArt Nouveau (Modern)illustrationtrollcavefigurerocksprincessfolklore

some experience helpful

Recreating this painting will help students develop skills in layering washes, creating atmospheric perspective, and rendering textures with fine details. It also encourages imaginative storytelling through visual art.

technical profile

palette complexity

brushwork visibility

value contrast

compositional simplicity

study guide

est. 15 hrs

approach — 8 steps

step 01
Lightly sketch the main shapes: the cave opening, the troll, the princess, and the stone table.
step 02
Establish the overall value structure with thin washes of diluted brown and green, focusing on the dark areas of the cave and the shadows on the figures.
step 03
Layer lighter washes to build up the mid-tones and highlights, creating a sense of depth and atmosphere.
step 04
Add texture to the rocks and cave walls using dry brush techniques and stippling.
step 05
Carefully render the details of the troll's features, clothing, and jewelry, using fine brushes and precise strokes.
step 06
Paint the princess with delicate washes, emphasizing the ethereal quality of her hair and gown.
step 07
Add small details like the pebbles on the ground and the sparkling accents on the cave walls.
step 08
Refine the overall composition and adjust the values as needed to create a cohesive and visually appealing image.

color palette

primary · raw umber · yellow ochre · ivory black

secondary · viridian · alizarin crimson · ultramarine blue

Achieve the muted greens by mixing yellow ochre with raw umber and a touch of viridian. Create the various grays and browns by combining raw umber, ivory black, and yellow ochre in different proportions.

techniques

·layering washes
·dry brushing
·stippling
·glazing
·atmospheric perspective

common pitfalls

→overworking the details
→creating muddy colors
→losing the sense of depth
→making the figures look flat

materials

surface · watercolor paper 140lb

required

·watercolor paper 140lb
·watercolor paints
·#2 round brush
·#6 round brush
·#10 round brush
·palette
·water container
·masking fluid

optional

·palette knife
·gouache
·colored pencils
·watercolor pencils

Use high-quality watercolor paper to prevent buckling and allow for multiple layers of washes. Consider using masking fluid to preserve the white areas of the princess's hair and gown.

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