plate no. 8943
The Arming of Perseus
Edward Burne-Jones, 1885
experienced study
Recreating this painting will help students develop skills in figure drawing, drapery rendering, and creating a sense of depth through atmospheric perspective. It also provides practice in mixing subtle color variations and achieving realistic skin tones.
technical profile
palette complexity
4
brushwork visibility
3
value contrast
3
compositional simplicity
2
study guide
est. 30 hrsapproach — 8 steps
- step 01
Create a preliminary sketch to establish the composition and proportions of the figures.
- step 02
Block in the main shapes and colors of the background, focusing on the atmospheric perspective.
- step 03
Begin rendering the figures, starting with the underpainting to establish the values.
- step 04
Develop the drapery of the dresses, paying attention to the folds and highlights.
- step 05
Paint the armor, using a limited palette to create a metallic effect.
- step 06
Add details to the faces, focusing on capturing the expressions and likenesses.
- step 07
Refine the details of the birds and other accessories.
- step 08
Add final highlights and shadows to create a sense of depth and realism.
color palette
primary · ivory black · raw umber · titanium white · cadmium red light
secondary · ultramarine blue · yellow ochre · alizarin crimson
Achieve the muted tones by mixing complementary colors and using a limited palette. Use glazes to build up depth and luminosity in the shadows.
techniques
- ·figure drawing
- ·drapery rendering
- ·glazing
- ·atmospheric perspective
- ·color mixing
common pitfalls
- →Getting the proportions of the figures wrong.
- →Overworking the details and losing the overall harmony.
- →Using colors that are too bright or saturated.
- →Failing to create a sense of depth and atmosphere.
materials
surface · stretched canvas
required
- ·stretched canvas
- ·oil paints
- ·palette
- ·palette knife
- ·assorted brushes
- ·linseed oil
- ·turpentine
- ·rags
optional
- ·medium gloss
- ·retouch varnish
- ·easel
Use high-quality oil paints for best results. Consider using a toned canvas to help establish the values.
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