plate no. 7663

The lost Paradise

oilSymbolismreligious paintingfigureslandscapereligiousdarknesslightmythology

some experience helpful

Recreating this painting will help students understand how to create dramatic lighting effects and how to render human figures in varying degrees of light and shadow. It also provides practice in creating a sense of depth using tonal values.

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 horizon line.
step 02
Establish the darkest areas of the painting with a dark brown or black.
step 03
Begin layering in the lighter tones, starting with the figures on the right.
step 04
Carefully blend the edges of the light and dark areas to create a sense of depth and form.
step 05
Add the highlights to the figures and the staff, paying attention to the direction of the light.
step 06
Create the background using layers of dark browns, greens, and reds.
step 07
Refine the details of the figures, such as the muscles and facial features.
step 08
Add final touches and adjust values as needed.

color palette

primary · burnt umber · ivory black · titanium white

secondary · cadmium red · yellow ochre

Mix burnt umber and ivory black for the dark areas. Use titanium white to create highlights and lighter tones. Mix yellow ochre and cadmium red to create the warm tones in the figures and background.

techniques