plate no. 0625
The Baleful Head
Edward Burne-Jones, 1887
experienced study
Recreating this painting will help students develop skills in rendering figures with drapery, creating realistic reflections, and capturing the subtle color variations in a complex scene.
technical profile
palette complexity
4
brushwork visibility
3
value contrast
4
compositional simplicity
3
study guide
est. 40 hrsapproach — 8 steps
- step 01
Sketch the basic composition, focusing on the placement of the figures and the well.
- step 02
Block in the main areas of color, starting with the background foliage and the figures' clothing.
- step 03
Develop the details of the figures' faces and hands, paying attention to the light and shadow.
- step 04
Paint the reflections in the well, carefully observing the distortions and color shifts.
- step 05
Add details to the armor, tree, and surrounding foliage.
- step 06
Refine the overall color harmony and adjust values as needed.
- step 07
Add final details, such as the small flowers and apples.
- step 08
Glaze to unify the colors and add depth.
color palette
primary · red ochre · ultramarine blue · titanium white · ivory black
secondary · cadmium yellow · alizarin crimson · viridian
Mix various shades of red ochre and alizarin crimson for the figures' skin tones. Use ultramarine blue and ivory black for the armor. Create greens by mixing cadmium yellow and viridian.
techniques
- ·glazing
- ·scumbling
- ·underpainting
- ·figure drawing
- ·rendering reflections
common pitfalls
- →Getting the proportions of the figures wrong.
- →Failing to capture the subtle color variations in the skin tones.
- →Making the reflections look too sharp or unrealistic.
- →Overworking the details and losing the overall harmony.
materials
surface · stretched canvas
required
- ·stretched canvas
- ·oil paints
- ·linseed oil
- ·turpentine
- ·palette
- ·assorted brushes
- ·palette knife
optional
- ·retouch varnish
- ·painting medium
- ·easel
Use high-quality oil paints for best results. A medium-sized canvas (e.g., 18x24 inches) is recommended.
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