plate no. 9655

The Valley of Shadows

oilRomanticismsymbolic paintingfiguresmountainsarchitecturelightshadowssymbolism

experienced study

Recreating this painting will help students develop skills in figure drawing, drapery rendering, and creating atmospheric perspective. It also provides practice in using a limited color palette to create a range of values and hues.

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 figures and the architectural elements.
step 02
Establish the main light source and map out the areas of light and shadow.
step 03
Begin painting the background, starting with the sky and mountains, using thin washes of color.
step 04
Block in the figures with basic shapes and colors, paying attention to proportions and anatomy.
step 05
Develop the drapery, using highlights and shadows to create form and volume.
step 06
Add details to the faces and hands, focusing on capturing the expressions and gestures.
step 07
Refine the architectural elements and add details such as the columns and arches.
step 08
Add final touches and highlights to create a sense of depth and realism.

color palette

primary · red ochre · raw umber · titanium white

secondary · ultramarine blue · cadmium yellow light

Mix red ochre and raw umber with white to create a range of flesh tones. Use ultramarine blue and cadmium yellow to create greens for the landscape.

techniques

·glazing
·scumbling
·chiaroscuro
·drapery rendering
·atmospheric perspective

common pitfalls

→Getting the proportions of the figures wrong.
→Overworking the details and losing the overall sense of atmosphere.
→Using colors that are too bright or saturated.
→Failing to create a strong sense of light and shadow.

materials

surface · stretched canvas

required

·stretched canvas 18x24
·oil paints (red ochre, raw umber, titanium white, ultramarine blue, cadmium yellow light)
·linseed oil
·turpentine
·assorted brushes (round and flat)
·palette
·palette knife
·rags