plate no. 9649
The Fomors (or The Power of Evil Abroad in the World)
experienced study
Recreating this painting will help students develop skills in figure drawing, creating atmospheric perspective, and mixing muted color palettes to convey a specific mood.
technical profile
palette complexity
3
brushwork visibility
3
value contrast
3
compositional simplicity
2
study guide
est. 20 hrsapproach — 8 steps
- step 01
Sketch the basic composition, focusing on the placement and proportions of the figures and the horse.
- step 02
Establish the background with a thin wash of dark blues and browns, creating a sense of depth.
- step 03
Block in the main shapes of the figures with simplified color masses, paying attention to the overall value structure.
- step 04
Begin refining the details of the figures, focusing on anatomical accuracy and expressive features.
- step 05
Add highlights and shadows to create form and volume, using subtle gradations of color.
- step 06
Develop the textures of the clothing, weapons, and other details, using a variety of brushstrokes.
- step 07
Refine the background, adding subtle details to enhance the sense of atmosphere.
- step 08
Add final touches and glazes to unify the painting and create a cohesive overall effect.
color palette
primary · ivory black · titanium white · raw umber · yellow ochre
secondary · cerulean blue · cadmium red light · sap green
Achieve the muted tones by mixing complementary colors and adding white or raw umber to dull the intensity. Use thin glazes of color to create subtle variations in hue and value.
techniques
- ·underpainting
- ·glazing
- ·scumbling
- ·dry brushing
- ·atmospheric perspective
common pitfalls
- →Overworking the details too early in the process.
- →Failing to establish a strong value structure.
- →Using colors that are too bright or saturated.
- →Ignoring the principles of atmospheric perspective.
materials
surface · stretched canvas
required
- ·stretched canvas
- ·acrylic gesso
- ·ivory black oil paint
- ·titanium white oil paint
- ·raw umber oil paint
- ·yellow ochre oil paint
- ·round brushes (various sizes)
- ·linseed oil
optional
- ·palette knife
- ·retouch varnish
- ·painting medium
Use a medium-grain canvas for best results. Consider toning the canvas with a thin wash of raw umber before beginning the painting.
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