plate no. 5894

St. Columba Bidding Farewell to the White Horse

John Duncan

oilSymbolismreligious paintinghorsefigurerobelandscapehalostaff

study guide

est. 20 hrs

approach — 8 steps

step 01
Create a preliminary sketch outlining the basic shapes and composition, focusing on the proportions of the horse and figure.
step 02
Establish the background landscape with thin washes of color, paying attention to the atmospheric perspective.
step 03
Block in the main areas of color for the horse, figure, and robe, using a limited palette of earth tones and white.
step 04
Begin to refine the details of the horse's head, paying close attention to the anatomy and subtle variations in color.
step 05
Develop the figure's face, focusing on capturing the likeness and expression through careful observation of light and shadow.
step 06
Render the folds and drapery of the robe, using a combination of blending and subtle brushstrokes to create a sense of volume.
step 07
Add the details of the staff, halo, and other minor elements, paying attention to their texture and form.
step 08
Make final adjustments to the overall composition, ensuring that the values and colors are balanced and harmonious.

color palette

primary · titanium white · raw umber · burnt sienna

secondary · yellow ochre · ivory black

Achieve the subtle variations in skin tone by mixing white with small amounts of raw umber, burnt sienna, and yellow ochre. Use ivory black sparingly to create shadows and define forms.

techniques