plate no. 1946

The Mermaid

Howard Pyle, 1910

oilRomanticismillustrationmermaidmanoceanrocksmoonfigure

some experience helpful

Recreating this painting will help students develop skills in blending skin tones, creating the illusion of water, and understanding atmospheric perspective. It also provides practice in depicting figures in dynamic poses and capturing the interaction of light and shadow on skin and water.

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, rocks, and horizon line.
step 02
Block in the main areas of color: the sky, water, rocks, and figures, using thin washes.
step 03
Develop the skin tones of the figures, layering and blending colors to create a sense of depth and form.
step 04
Paint the details of the mermaid's hair and jewelry, adding highlights and shadows to create dimension.
step 05
Work on the water, using different shades of blue and white to depict the waves and reflections.
step 06
Add the details of the rocks, paying attention to the texture and color variations.
step 07
Paint the moon and its reflection on the water, creating a focal point for the painting.
step 08
Refine the details and add finishing touches, such as the fish in the foreground.

color palette

primary · ultramarine blue · titanium white · yellow ochre

secondary · burnt sienna · alizarin crimson · viridian

Mix various blues and whites for the water, adding touches of yellow ochre and burnt sienna for warmth. Use alizarin crimson and yellow ochre to create the skin tones, blending with white for highlights and ultramarine for shadows. Mix viridian with ultramarine to create the dark greens in the mermaid's hair.

techniques