plate no. 2731

The Calling of Perseus

oil, canvasRomanticismmythological paintingfigureslandscapemythologycastlecloudssheep

experienced study

Recreating this painting will help students develop skills in figure drawing, particularly rendering realistic skin tones and drapery, as well as atmospheric perspective in landscapes.

technical profile

palette complexity

brushwork visibility

value contrast

compositional simplicity

study guide

est. 30 hrs

approach — 8 steps

step 01
Create a preliminary sketch to establish the composition and proportions of the figures and landscape elements.
step 02
Block in the main shapes and values using thin washes of color, focusing on the overall tonal range.
step 03
Begin building up the forms of the figures with layers of paint, paying attention to anatomical accuracy and subtle shifts in skin tone.
step 04
Develop the drapery and clothing, using broken brushstrokes to suggest texture and form.
step 05
Paint the landscape elements, using atmospheric perspective to create depth and distance.
step 06
Add details to the figures' faces and hands, capturing their expressions and gestures.
step 07
Refine the overall composition and adjust the values and colors as needed.
step 08
Add final details and highlights to complete the painting.

color palette

primary · raw umber · ivory black · titanium white · yellow ochre

secondary · ultramarine blue · burnt sienna · cadmium red light

Achieve the muted tones by mixing the primary colors with white and small amounts of secondary colors. Use thin glazes to build up depth and luminosity.

techniques

·figure drawing
·glazing
·atmospheric perspective
·broken brushstrokes
·grisaille underpainting

common pitfalls

→Incorrect proportions of figures
→Overly saturated colors
→Lack of atmospheric perspective
→Ignoring subtle value changes
→Poor blending of skin tones

materials

surface · stretched canvas

required

·Stretched canvas 18x24
·Oil paints (raw umber, ivory black, titanium white, yellow ochre, ultramarine blue, burnt sienna, cadmium red light)
·Assorted brushes (round, flat, filbert)
·Palette
·Linseed oil
·Odorless mineral spirits
·Palette knife
·Rags