plate no. 6341
The Return of Young Tobie
Maurice Denis, 1918
some experience helpful
Recreating this painting will help students practice simplifying complex scenes into basic shapes and using color to create a sense of depth and atmosphere. It also provides an opportunity to explore expressive brushwork and color choices.
technical profile
palette complexity
3
brushwork visibility
4
value contrast
3
compositional simplicity
3
study guide
est. 12 hrsapproach — 8 steps
- step 01
Lightly sketch the basic composition, focusing on the horizon line, the placement of the figures, and the major landforms.
- step 02
Block in the large areas of color, such as the sky, sea, sand, and foliage, using thin washes.
- step 03
Gradually build up the colors, adding more layers and details to create depth and texture.
- step 04
Define the shapes of the figures and the architectural elements, paying attention to their proportions and relationships to each other.
- step 05
Add highlights and shadows to create a sense of form and volume.
- step 06
Refine the details, such as the foliage, the footprints in the sand, and the architectural details.
- step 07
Add final touches and adjust the colors as needed to achieve the desired effect.
- step 08
Allow to dry and varnish.
color palette
primary · sky blue · yellow ochre · burnt sienna · white
secondary · ultramarine blue · rose madder · sap green · violet
Mix sky blue with white for the sky, adding a touch of rose madder for the horizon. Mix yellow ochre and burnt sienna for the sand, varying the proportions to create different tones. Use a combination of sap green and ultramarine blue for the foliage, adding white for highlights.
techniques
- ·broken color
- ·scumbling
- ·color layering
- ·simplified forms
- ·atmospheric perspective
common pitfalls
- →Overworking the details and losing the overall sense of atmosphere.
- →Using colors that are too saturated and creating a jarring effect.
- →Failing to simplify the forms and creating a cluttered composition.
- →Not paying attention to the values and creating a flat, lifeless painting.
materials
surface · stretched canvas
required
- ·stretched canvas 12x16
- ·acrylic paints
- ·round brushes (various sizes)
- ·flat brushes (various sizes)
- ·palette
- ·palette knife
- ·linseed oil
- ·odorless mineral spirits
optional
- ·easel
- ·painting medium
- ·varnish
Use a medium-grain canvas for best results. Acrylic paints can be substituted for oils for faster drying time.
tips & new artworks in your inbox
no spam — unsubscribe anytime.
or to save artworks, chat, and track progress
related guides
