plate no. 1174

The Judgment of Paris

oilAcademicismmythological paintingfiguresmythologylandscapecloudsnudesdog

experienced study

Recreating this painting will help students develop skills in figure drawing, blending techniques for skin tones, and creating atmospheric perspective with soft edges and muted colors.

technical profile

palette complexity

brushwork visibility

value contrast

compositional simplicity

study guide

est. 20 hrs

approach — 8 steps

step 01
Sketch the basic composition, focusing on the placement and proportions of the figures.
step 02
Establish the background with broad washes of warm golden and brown tones.
step 03
Block in the main figures with simplified shapes and values, paying attention to the light source.
step 04
Begin layering skin tones, blending highlights and shadows to create form.
step 05
Add details to the figures, such as facial features, hair, and drapery.
step 06
Develop the surrounding landscape, using soft brushstrokes to create a sense of atmosphere.
step 07
Refine the details and adjust values to create depth and visual interest.
step 08
Add final highlights and shadows to enhance the overall effect.

color palette

primary · yellow ochre · burnt umber · titanium white · cadmium red

secondary · ultramarine blue · raw sienna · ivory black

Achieve skin tones by mixing white, yellow ochre, and a touch of red. Use umber and blue to create shadows. Muted greens can be made by mixing yellow ochre, blue, and a touch of red.

techniques

·figure drawing
·glazing
·scumbling
·blending
·atmospheric perspective

common pitfalls

→Overworking the details too early in the process.
→Creating harsh lines and edges instead of soft transitions.
→Failing to establish a clear light source.
→Getting the proportions of the figures wrong.

materials

surface · stretched canvas

required

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