plate no. 3829

The Vision

Evelyn De Morgan, 1914

oilRomanticismsymbolic paintingfigureslandscapeseaskycloudsmythological creature

experienced study

Recreating this painting will help students develop skills in portraiture, including accurate skin tone mixing and rendering of facial features, as well as blending techniques for creating atmospheric effects in the background.

technical profile

palette complexity

brushwork visibility

value contrast

compositional simplicity

study guide

est. 25 hrs

approach — 8 steps

step 01
Sketch the basic composition, paying attention to the placement and proportions of the figures and landscape elements.
step 02
Establish the background sky and sea with broad washes of color, blending the hues to create a sense of depth and atmosphere.
step 03
Block in the main shapes of the figures, focusing on accurate proportions and anatomical details.
step 04
Begin layering in the skin tones, using subtle variations in color and value to create a sense of form and volume.
step 05
Add details to the clothing and accessories, paying attention to the folds and textures.
step 06
Render the hair with careful attention to the highlights and shadows, creating a sense of movement and flow.
step 07
Paint the details of the landscape, including the rocks, waves, and distant horizon.
step 08
Refine the overall composition, adjusting the colors and values as needed to create a harmonious and unified image.

color palette

primary · titanium white · ultramarine blue · cadmium red · yellow ochre

secondary · alizarin crimson · viridian green · raw umber

Mix skin tones by blending white, yellow ochre, and a touch of red. Use ultramarine blue and alizarin crimson to create purples for the sky and shadows.

techniques