plate no. 8830
The Sphinx Defeated
Gustave Moreau, 1878
experienced study
Recreating this painting will help students develop skills in figure drawing, atmospheric perspective, and creating a sense of drama through light and shadow. It also encourages exploration of color mixing to achieve nuanced skin tones and textural effects.
technical profile
palette complexity
4
brushwork visibility
4
value contrast
4
compositional simplicity
3
study guide
est. 20 hrsapproach — 8 steps
- step 01
Begin with a light sketch to establish the composition and placement of figures and the column.
- step 02
Block in the main shapes and values using thinned washes of burnt umber and raw sienna.
- step 03
Establish the light source and begin building up the highlights and shadows on the figures and landscape.
- step 04
Mix skin tones using a limited palette of white, yellow ochre, cadmium red, and burnt umber.
- step 05
Develop the textures of the rocks and column using dry brush techniques.
- step 06
Add details to the sphinx, focusing on the wings and face.
- step 07
Refine the figures, paying attention to anatomy and proportions.
- step 08
Add final glazes to unify the painting and enhance the atmosphere.
color palette
primary · burnt umber · raw sienna · yellow ochre · titanium white
secondary · cadmium red · ultramarine blue
Achieve skin tones by mixing white, yellow ochre, cadmium red, and a touch of burnt umber. Use ultramarine blue to cool down shadows and create atmospheric perspective.
techniques
- ·dry brush
- ·glazing
- ·scumbling
- ·chiaroscuro
- ·atmospheric perspective
common pitfalls
- →Overworking the details too early in the process.
- →Failing to establish a clear light source.
- →Using colors that are too saturated.
- →Ignoring the importance of atmospheric perspective.
materials
surface · stretched canvas
required
- ·stretched canvas
- ·burnt umber oil paint
- ·raw sienna oil paint
- ·yellow ochre oil paint
- ·titanium white oil paint
- ·cadmium red oil paint
- ·round brushes (various sizes)
- ·linseed oil
optional
- ·palette knife
- ·medium gloss
- ·ultramarine blue oil paint
- ·painting thinner
Use a medium-textured canvas to facilitate dry brush techniques. Consider using a toned canvas to speed up the initial stages of painting.
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