plate no. 3362

The Mier Expedition The Drawing of the Black Bean

oilImpressionismhistory paintingfigurescourtyardsoldiersbuildinghistorical eventtable

experienced study

Recreating this painting will help students develop skills in figure drawing, perspective, and creating a sense of depth through atmospheric perspective and value changes. It also provides practice in capturing the texture of stone and fabric with visible brushstrokes.

technical profile

palette complexity

brushwork visibility

value contrast

compositional simplicity

study guide

est. 20 hrs

approach — 8 steps

step 01
Lightly sketch the overall composition, paying attention to the perspective of the courtyard and the placement of the figures.
step 02
Block in the large shapes of the buildings and the ground with thin washes of color.
step 03
Establish the basic values of the figures, differentiating between the darker uniforms and the lighter ones.
step 04
Begin adding details to the figures, focusing on the faces and the folds of their clothing.
step 05
Develop the texture of the stone courtyard using broken brushstrokes and varying values.
step 06
Refine the lighting and shadows, paying attention to the direction of the light source.
step 07
Add final details, such as the weapons and the pottery.
step 08
Glaze over the painting to unify the colors and create a sense of atmosphere.

color palette

primary · burnt umber · raw sienna · titanium white · ivory black

secondary · cadmium red light · ultramarine blue · yellow ochre

Mix various shades of brown and gray by combining the primary colors. Use white to lighten the colors and create highlights. Add small amounts of red and blue to create subtle variations in the shadows.

techniques