plate no. 7500

The Story of Psyche: panel 4. The Vengeance of Venus

Maurice Denis, 1908

oil, canvasSymbolismmythological paintingfiguresmythologylandscapearchitecturegardencupids

experienced study

Recreating this painting will help students develop skills in figure drawing, composition, and creating a sense of depth through color and value. It also provides practice in rendering classical themes with a stylized approach.

technical profile

palette complexity

brushwork visibility

value contrast

compositional simplicity

study guide

est. 20 hrs

approach — 8 steps

step 01
Lightly sketch the main figures and architectural elements, paying attention to proportions and placement.
step 02
Block in the large areas of color, starting with the background and then moving to the figures.
step 03
Refine the shapes of the figures, adding details to the faces and clothing.
step 04
Develop the landscape elements, focusing on the variations in green and the play of light and shadow.
step 05
Add the details of the architecture, such as the columns and statues.
step 06
Glaze thin layers of color to build depth and luminosity.
step 07
Refine the highlights and shadows, paying attention to the overall balance of the painting.
step 08
Add final details and adjustments as needed.

color palette

primary · ochre · pale pink · olive green · ultramarine blue

secondary · purple · yellow · red

Achieve the skin tones by mixing ochre, white, and a touch of red. Mix greens by combining olive green, yellow, and a touch of blue. Use purple as a shadow color to add depth.

techniques