plate no. 2719
The Conquest of the Amorites
James Tissot, 1902
experienced study
Recreating this painting would help students develop skills in atmospheric perspective and rendering complex scenes with many figures. It also provides practice in creating a sense of depth and scale.
technical profile
palette complexity
3
brushwork visibility
3
value contrast
4
compositional simplicity
2
study guide
est. 20 hrsapproach — 8 steps
- step 01
Sketch the basic shapes of the mountain, castle, and surrounding landscape, paying attention to the overall composition.
- step 02
Establish the horizon line and the relative sizes of the main elements.
- step 03
Block in the main color masses for the sky, mountains, and foreground, using thin washes.
- step 04
Begin to define the shapes of the castle and the mountain, adding details and shadows.
- step 05
Add the figures, starting with the larger groups and then adding individual details.
- step 06
Refine the details of the castle, adding highlights and shadows to create a sense of depth.
- step 07
Add atmospheric perspective by lightening the colors of the distant mountains and sky.
- step 08
Make final adjustments to the colors and values to create a cohesive and balanced composition.
color palette
primary · gray · brown · ochre · sky blue
secondary · dark green · white · black · red
Mix grays by combining complementary colors like burnt umber and ultramarine blue with white. Achieve earth tones by mixing browns, ochres, and siennas.
techniques
- ·atmospheric perspective
- ·scumbling
- ·dry brushing
- ·glazing
- ·layering
common pitfalls
- →getting lost in the details too early
- →failing to establish a strong value structure
- →overworking the painting
- →incorrect perspective
materials
surface · stretched canvas
required
- ·stretched canvas
- ·acrylic or oil paints
- ·round brushes
- ·flat brushes
- ·palette
- ·linseed oil (if using oils)
- ·mineral spirits (if using oils)
optional
- ·palette knife
- ·medium gloss
- ·easel
- ·photo reference
Use a medium-grain canvas to allow for texture. Consider using a toned canvas to establish a base color.
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