plate no. 6619

The Lost Shrine of Irene Mary

David Young, 2021

digitalMagic Realismreligious paintingfiguresbuildinggardenpathtreessky

some experience helpful

Recreating this painting will help students develop skills in layering colors to create depth and texture, as well as understanding perspective in a complex scene. It also provides practice in rendering figures and architectural details.

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 of the figures and the shrine.
step 02
Block in the main colors of the sky, grass, and building using broad strokes.
step 03
Develop the details of the figures, paying attention to proportions and facial features.
step 04
Add layers of color to the trees and foliage to create depth and texture.
step 05
Refine the details of the shrine, including the religious items and decorations.
step 06
Paint the path and surrounding flowers, adding highlights and shadows.
step 07
Add the magical effects around the boy's hand using small brushstrokes and bright colors.
step 08
Add final details and highlights to complete the painting.

color palette

primary · cadmium red · cerulean blue · sap green

secondary · yellow ochre · burnt umber · titanium white

Mix greens by combining blues and yellows, and create variations in red by adding white or brown. Use white to lighten blues for the sky and highlights.

techniques

·layering
·blending
·dry brushing
·scumbling
·glazing

common pitfalls

→Getting the proportions of the figures wrong.
→Overworking the details and losing the overall composition.
→Not creating enough depth in the foliage.
→Using colors that are too bright or saturated.

materials

surface · stretched canvas

required

·stretched canvas
·acrylic paints
·round brushes
·flat brushes
·palette
·palette knife
·water container
·paper towels

optional

·retarder medium
·varnish
·easel

Using a medium-grain canvas will provide a good surface for layering and blending the paints. Acrylics are recommended for their fast drying time and ease of use.

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