plate no. 6556

Startled

oilRomanticismmythological paintingfigureslandscapewatertreesfoliageflowers

experienced study

Recreating this painting will help students develop skills in rendering realistic skin tones and drapery, as well as understanding atmospheric perspective in a landscape setting. Students will also learn to create soft, blended transitions between colors.

technical profile

palette complexity

brushwork visibility

value contrast

compositional simplicity

study guide

est. 20 hrs

approach — 8 steps

step 01
Begin with a light sketch outlining the figures, landscape, and major elements.
step 02
Establish the background with thin washes of color, focusing on the atmospheric perspective.
step 03
Block in the basic skin tones of the figures, paying attention to the light source and shadows.
step 04
Start layering and blending colors to create smooth transitions and realistic skin texture.
step 05
Paint the drapery, focusing on the folds and highlights to create a sense of volume.
step 06
Add details to the landscape, such as leaves, flowers, and reflections in the water.
step 07
Refine the figures' features and add subtle details to their hair and clothing.
step 08
Make final adjustments to the overall composition and color balance.

color palette

primary · titanium white · yellow ochre · burnt umber · cadmium red light

secondary · ultramarine blue · viridian · alizarin crimson · ivory black

Mix skin tones using white, yellow ochre, and a touch of red. Use ultramarine blue and burnt umber to create muted greens for the foliage. Add white to colors for highlights and black for shadows.

techniques