The Batavian Siege of the Roman Army Camp

approach — 8 steps

color palette

primary · burnt umber · ivory black · raw sienna

secondary · cadmium red · yellow ochre · titanium white

Achieve the dark, muted tones by mixing burnt umber and ivory black. Use titanium white sparingly to create highlights and subtle variations in value. Mix small amounts of cadmium red or yellow ochre to add warmth to the figures and firelight.

techniques

• ·chiaroscuro
• ·glazing
• ·scumbling
• ·dry brushing
• ·atmospheric perspective

common pitfalls

• →Overworking the details and losing the overall sense of atmosphere.
• →Using too much bright color and disrupting the low-key palette.
• →Failing to create a strong sense of depth and perspective.
• →Inaccurate figure drawing, especially in the foreshortened poses.