plate no. 2175
The Tempest
Giorgione, 1508
experienced study
Recreating this painting will help students develop skills in depicting atmospheric perspective and rendering complex figures in a naturalistic setting. It also offers practice in color mixing to achieve subtle tonal variations.
technical profile
palette complexity
4
brushwork visibility
3
value contrast
3
compositional simplicity
2
study guide
est. 30 hrsapproach — 8 steps
- step 01
Sketch the basic composition, focusing on the placement of the figures, buildings, and landscape elements.
- step 02
Establish the sky with a base layer of blue, blending in lighter tones to suggest clouds and the lightning.
- step 03
Block in the major areas of the landscape: trees, water, and ground, using broad strokes.
- step 04
Develop the architectural elements, paying attention to their perspective and detail.
- step 05
Begin to refine the figures, focusing on accurate proportions and anatomical details.
- step 06
Add details to the foliage, using varied greens and browns to create depth and texture.
- step 07
Refine the water, adding reflections and subtle variations in tone.
- step 08
Add final highlights and shadows to enhance the overall sense of depth and realism.
color palette
primary · viridian green · ultramarine blue · raw umber · titanium white
secondary · cadmium red · yellow ochre · ivory black
Achieve the muted greens by mixing viridian green with raw umber and titanium white. The skin tones are created by blending titanium white, cadmium red, and yellow ochre with small amounts of raw umber for shadows.
techniques
- ·glazing
- ·scumbling
- ·atmospheric perspective
- ·figure drawing
- ·landscape painting
common pitfalls
- →Overworking the details too early in the process.
- →Failing to establish a strong sense of atmospheric perspective.
- →Inaccurate proportions in the figures.
- →Using colors that are too saturated, resulting in a garish appearance.
materials
surface · stretched canvas
required
- ·stretched canvas
- ·oil paints
- ·linseed oil
- ·turpentine
- ·assorted brushes (round and flat)
- ·palette
- ·palette knife
- ·rags
optional
- ·medium gloss
- ·retouching varnish
- ·easel
Use high-quality oil paints for best results. Allow each layer to dry before applying the next.
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