plate no. 0347
The Lightning
Alexandre Antigna, 1848
experienced study
Recreating this painting will help students develop skills in dramatic lighting and rendering figures in shadow. It also provides practice in capturing emotional expression through pose and gesture.
technical profile
palette complexity
3
brushwork visibility
3
value contrast
5
compositional simplicity
3
study guide
est. 20 hrsapproach — 8 steps
- step 01
Begin with a light sketch outlining the main figures and composition.
- step 02
Establish the darkest areas of the painting using a dark umber or black.
- step 03
Block in the main light source and surrounding illuminated areas with thin washes.
- step 04
Gradually build up the values, focusing on the contrast between light and shadow.
- step 05
Refine the figures, paying attention to anatomical accuracy and emotional expression.
- step 06
Add details to the clothing and background, keeping them subdued in the shadows.
- step 07
Glaze over areas to unify the colors and create depth.
- step 08
Add final highlights to emphasize the light source and focal points.
color palette
primary · burnt umber · ivory black · titanium white · raw sienna
secondary · cadmium red · yellow ochre
Achieve the dark tones by mixing burnt umber and ivory black. Use titanium white to create highlights and mix with other colors for lighter values. Mix red and yellow ochre for the skin tones.
techniques
- ·chiaroscuro
- ·glazing
- ·scumbling
- ·underpainting
- ·figure drawing
common pitfalls
- →Overworking the details in the shadows.
- →Failing to establish a strong value structure.
- →Inaccurate figure proportions.
- →Not capturing the emotional intensity.
- →Using colors that are too bright or saturated.
materials
surface · stretched canvas
required
- ·stretched canvas
- ·burnt umber oil paint
- ·ivory black oil paint
- ·titanium white oil paint
- ·raw sienna oil paint
- ·#4 round brush
- ·#8 flat brush
optional
- ·palette knife
- ·linseed oil
- ·turpentine
- ·medium gloss
Use a canvas with a smooth surface for easier blending. Consider using a toned canvas to establish a base value.
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