plate no. 3841
The 2nd Battalion, Green Howards at Menin Crossroads near Gheluvelt during the First Battle of Ypres
Fortunino Matania, 1923
experienced study
Recreating this painting will help students develop skills in depicting figures in perspective and creating a sense of depth through atmospheric perspective and color temperature changes. It also provides practice in rendering textures of brick and fabric.
technical profile
palette complexity
4
brushwork visibility
3
value contrast
3
compositional simplicity
2
study guide
est. 20 hrsapproach — 8 steps
- step 01
Begin with a light sketch outlining the major shapes and perspective lines of the buildings and street.
- step 02
Establish the horizon line and vanishing points to guide the placement of figures and buildings.
- step 03
Block in the sky with a thin wash of gray and white, paying attention to the cloud formations.
- step 04
Apply a base layer of color to the buildings, using a mix of browns, reds, and grays.
- step 05
Start painting the figures, focusing on their proportions and poses. Use a limited palette of earth tones.
- step 06
Add details to the buildings, such as windows, doors, and damaged brickwork.
- step 07
Refine the figures, adding details to their uniforms and faces.
- step 08
Add final details such as debris, smoke, and highlights to create depth and realism.
color palette
primary · burnt umber · raw sienna · titanium white · payne's gray
secondary · cadmium red · yellow ochre · ultramarine blue
Achieve the muted tones by mixing earth tones with white and small amounts of blue or red. Use Payne's gray to darken colors and create shadows.
techniques
- ·atmospheric perspective
- ·figure drawing
- ·linear perspective
- ·dry brushing
- ·glazing
common pitfalls
- →Incorrect perspective can flatten the image.
- →Overworking details can make the painting look stiff.
- →Inaccurate figure proportions will detract from realism.
- →Using too many bright colors will ruin the somber mood.
materials
surface · stretched canvas
required
- ·stretched canvas 18x24
- ·oil paints
- ·palette
- ·palette knife
- ·assorted brushes (round, flat, filbert)
- ·linseed oil
- ·turpentine or mineral spirits
optional
- ·medium gloss
- ·easel
- ·rags
Use a medium-tooth canvas for better texture. Consider using a toned canvas to establish a base color.
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