plate no. 4915

The Fratricide

tempera, canvasArt Nouveau (Modern)mythological paintingfiguresmythologybloodknifered backgroundfoliage

some experience helpful

Recreating this painting will help students develop skills in figure painting, color mixing to achieve muted tones, and creating a stylized composition. Students will also learn to simplify complex forms into basic shapes.

technical profile

palette complexity

brushwork visibility

value contrast

compositional simplicity

study guide

est. 15 hrs

approach — 8 steps

step 01
Sketch the basic composition, focusing on the placement of the figures and the background elements.
step 02
Block in the main color areas with thin washes of tempera paint.
step 03
Start defining the figures' forms with darker and lighter values, paying attention to the light source.
step 04
Add details to the faces, hands, and clothing, using smaller brushes.
step 05
Paint the red background and the foliage, creating a decorative pattern.
step 06
Refine the edges and contours of the figures and objects.
step 07
Add final details, such as the blood and the knife.
step 08
Varnish the painting to protect it and enhance the colors.

color palette

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

secondary · cadmium red · yellow ochre · ultramarine blue

Mix red ochre and raw umber with white to create the skin tones. Use ultramarine blue and raw umber to create the dark shadows. Mix cadmium red and yellow ochre to create the red background.

techniques