plate no. 4840

The Surrender of General Burgoyne

oilNeoclassicismhistory paintingfigureslandscapeskytreescannonflag

experienced study

Recreating this painting will help students develop skills in figure drawing, portraiture, and atmospheric perspective. It also provides practice in rendering complex compositions with many elements.

technical profile

palette complexity

brushwork visibility

value contrast

compositional simplicity

study guide

est. 30 hrs

approach — 8 steps

step 01
Sketch the basic composition, focusing on the placement of the main figures and landscape elements.
step 02
Establish the horizon line and the vanishing point to create perspective.
step 03
Block in the main color masses for the sky, landscape, and figures, using thin washes.
step 04
Begin refining the figures, paying attention to proportions and anatomical details.
step 05
Develop the background landscape, using lighter values and softer edges to create depth.
step 06
Add details to the figures' clothing and faces, using smaller brushes.
step 07
Paint the cannon and other foreground elements, adding highlights and shadows to create form.
step 08
Glaze and adjust colors as needed to achieve the desired effect.

color palette

primary · ultramarine blue · burnt umber · cadmium red · yellow ochre

secondary · titanium white · ivory black · sap green

Mix various shades of green by combining blue, yellow, and brown. Achieve flesh tones by blending red, yellow, white, and a touch of blue. Use glazes of burnt umber to create shadows and depth.

techniques