plate no. 0259

The Coming of Bride

John Duncan, 1917

oilSymbolismgenre paintingfigureschildrenlandscapeflowerstreesfoliage

some experience helpful

Recreating this painting will help students develop skills in figure drawing, rendering drapery, and creating a sense of depth through subtle color variations. It also encourages practice in depicting complex compositions with multiple subjects.

technical profile

palette complexity

brushwork visibility

value contrast

compositional simplicity

study guide

est. 20 hrs

approach — 8 steps

step 01
Lightly sketch the main figures and landscape elements, focusing on proportions and placement.
step 02
Establish the background with thin washes of color, creating a sense of depth and atmosphere.
step 03
Block in the main color masses for the figures, paying attention to skin tones and drapery folds.
step 04
Begin refining the details of the figures, including facial features, hair, and clothing.
step 05
Add the floral elements and foliage, using a variety of brushstrokes to create texture and interest.
step 06
Refine the lighting and shadows, adding highlights to create a sense of volume.
step 07
Adjust the overall color balance and add any final details.
step 08
Varnish the painting to protect it and enhance the colors.

color palette

primary · titanium white · yellow ochre · cerulean blue

secondary · alizarin crimson · ultramarine blue · raw umber

Mix various shades of white with small amounts of other colors to achieve the subtle variations in the figures' clothing and skin tones. Use yellow ochre and cerulean blue for the landscape, and alizarin crimson and ultramarine blue for the floral elements.

techniques