plate no. 8029
The Peaceable Kingdom
Edward Hicks, 1847
some experience helpful
Recreating this painting will help students develop skills in layering colors, creating depth through atmospheric perspective, and rendering various animal forms. It also encourages careful observation and simplification of complex scenes.
technical profile
palette complexity
3
brushwork visibility
3
value contrast
4
compositional simplicity
2
study guide
est. 20 hrsapproach — 8 steps
- step 01
Sketch the basic composition, focusing on the placement of the animals and landscape elements.
- step 02
Establish the background sky and distant hills with thin washes of color.
- step 03
Block in the larger shapes of the trees and foliage, paying attention to value differences.
- step 04
Begin layering colors to define the animal forms, starting with the darkest shadows.
- step 05
Add details to the animals, such as fur texture and facial features.
- step 06
Paint the figures in the background, simplifying their forms and colors.
- step 07
Refine the foreground details, including the grass and any other small elements.
- step 08
Add final highlights and shadows to create depth and dimension.
color palette
primary · raw umber · titanium white · yellow ochre
secondary · cerulean blue · cadmium red · sap green
Mix greens by combining yellow ochre and cerulean blue, and adjust with white or raw umber for value. Achieve warm browns by mixing raw umber, cadmium red, and a touch of yellow ochre. Use white to create lighter tints of all colors.
techniques
- ·layering
- ·blending
- ·dry brushing
- ·atmospheric perspective
- ·scumbling
common pitfalls
- →Overworking the details too early in the process.
- →Failing to establish a strong value structure.
- →Using colors that are too saturated or intense.
- →Neglecting the importance of atmospheric perspective.
materials
surface · stretched canvas
required
- ·stretched canvas
- ·raw umber oil paint
- ·titanium white oil paint
- ·yellow ochre oil paint
- ·cerulean blue oil paint
- ·cadmium red oil paint
- ·sap green oil paint
- ·assorted brushes (round and flat)
optional
- ·palette knife
- ·linseed oil
- ·turpentine
Use a medium-tooth canvas for optimal texture. Consider using a limited palette to simplify color mixing.
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