plate no. 1074
Terror Antiquus
Leon Bakst, 1908
experienced study
Recreating this painting will help students develop skills in layering, creating atmospheric perspective, and rendering complex geological forms with light and shadow. It also provides practice in figure painting and symbolic composition.
technical profile
palette complexity
4
brushwork visibility
4
value contrast
4
compositional simplicity
2
study guide
est. 25 hrsapproach — 8 steps
- step 01
Sketch the basic composition, focusing on the placement of the figure and the major landforms.
- step 02
Establish the dark areas of the sky and the shadowed parts of the mountains with a dark underpainting.
- step 03
Begin layering lighter tones onto the mountains, building up the texture and form with short, broken brushstrokes.
- step 04
Paint the figure, paying attention to the subtle gradations of light and shadow on the skin.
- step 05
Add the details of the architecture and other small elements in the landscape.
- step 06
Create the light beam effect by layering thin washes of white and pale blue.
- step 07
Refine the details and adjust the values to create a sense of depth and atmosphere.
- step 08
Add final highlights and shadows to enhance the overall impact of the painting.
color palette
primary · ultramarine blue · burnt umber · titanium white · yellow ochre
secondary · cadmium red · viridian green
Mix various shades of brown and gray by combining burnt umber, ultramarine blue, and white. Use yellow ochre and cadmium red for the warmer tones in the mountains and figure. Mix viridian green with blue and white for the bird.
techniques
- ·layering
- ·dry brushing
- ·scumbling
- ·glazing
- ·atmospheric perspective
common pitfalls
- →Overworking the details and losing the overall sense of atmosphere.
- →Creating too much contrast and making the painting look flat.
- →Failing to establish a strong focal point.
- →Inaccurate proportions of the figure.
materials
surface · stretched canvas
required
- ·stretched canvas 24x30
- ·oil paints
- ·palette
- ·linseed oil
- ·#2 round brush
- ·#6 flat brush
- ·#8 filbert brush
- ·palette knife
optional
- ·painting medium
- ·varnish
- ·easel
Use a high-quality canvas and oil paints for best results. Consider using a medium to thin the paint and improve its flow.
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