plate no. 6168

The Education of Achilles

oilBaroquemythological paintingskycloudsarchitecturefigureslandscapemythology

experienced study

Recreating this painting will help students develop skills in atmospheric perspective and rendering complex architectural forms. It also provides practice in painting figures within a landscape setting.

technical profile

palette complexity

brushwork visibility

value contrast

compositional simplicity

study guide

est. 20 hrs

approach — 8 steps

step 01
Sketch the basic shapes of the building, rocks, and figures, focusing on proportions and placement.
step 02
Block in the sky with light blue, blending towards the horizon.
step 03
Establish the basic values of the rocks and building using a limited palette of browns and grays.
step 04
Add details to the architecture, including columns, moldings, and the dome.
step 05
Paint the figures, paying attention to anatomy and drapery.
step 06
Develop the landscape around the rocks, adding trees and foliage.
step 07
Refine the details and highlights throughout the painting.
step 08
Add final glazes to unify the colors and create depth.

color palette

primary · ultramarine blue · raw umber · titanium white

secondary · yellow ochre · burnt sienna · cadmium red

Mix various shades of blue and white for the sky. Use raw umber and white for the rocks, adding touches of yellow ochre and burnt sienna for warmth. Mix red and white for the figures' skin tones.

techniques

·atmospheric perspective
·glazing
·scumbling
·rendering architectural details
·figure painting

common pitfalls

→Getting lost in the details too early.
→Failing to establish a strong value structure.
→Overworking the colors and losing the freshness of the painting.
→Inaccurate proportions in the architecture and figures.

materials

surface · stretched canvas

required

·stretched canvas 18x24
·oil paints (ultramarine blue, raw umber, titanium white, yellow ochre, burnt sienna, cadmium red)
·linseed oil
·turpentine
·palette
·assorted brushes (round and flat)
·palette knife
·rags