plate no. 6472

The Lament for Icarus

oilAcademicismmythological paintingfigureswingswaterrocksmythologysky

experienced study

Recreating this painting will help students develop skills in figure drawing, anatomical accuracy, and rendering realistic skin tones under complex lighting conditions. It also provides practice in creating depth and atmosphere using color and value.

technical profile

palette complexity

brushwork visibility

value contrast

compositional simplicity

study guide

est. 40 hrs

approach — 8 steps

step 01
Sketch the basic composition, focusing on the placement of the figures and the overall proportions.
step 02
Establish the dark and light areas with a thin wash of burnt umber or a similar earth tone.
step 03
Begin blocking in the main colors of the background, including the sky, water, and rocks.
step 04
Start building up the skin tones of the figures, paying close attention to the subtle variations in color and value.
step 05
Develop the details of the wings, using a combination of blending and dry brushing to create texture.
step 06
Refine the details of the faces and hands, focusing on capturing the expressions and gestures.
step 07
Add the final highlights and shadows to create a sense of depth and realism.
step 08
Glaze with thin layers of color to unify the painting and enhance the overall atmosphere.

color palette

primary · titanium white · burnt umber · yellow ochre · ivory black

secondary · cadmium red · ultramarine blue · raw sienna

Achieve skin tones by mixing white, yellow ochre, and a touch of red. Use burnt umber and black for shadows, and add blue to create cooler tones in the background. Mix ultramarine blue and burnt umber for darks.

techniques