plate no. 1169
The Winged
Stefan Caltia, 2007
some experience helpful
Recreating this painting will help students practice layering techniques for creating depth and texture, as well as develop skills in rendering figures with expressive features and subtle color variations.
technical profile
palette complexity
3
brushwork visibility
4
value contrast
3
compositional simplicity
3
study guide
est. 12 hrsapproach — 8 steps
- step 01
Sketch the basic composition, focusing on the placement of the figure and the horizon line.
- step 02
Apply a thin, neutral-toned underpainting to the entire canvas.
- step 03
Block in the main shapes of the figure, dress, and wings using simplified color masses.
- step 04
Begin layering colors to define the form and create subtle value changes in the figure and dress.
- step 05
Add details to the face, paying attention to the expressive eyes and subtle shading.
- step 06
Paint the wings, using a dry brush technique to create texture and feather-like details.
- step 07
Add the bare trees in the foreground and background, using thin, delicate brushstrokes.
- step 08
Refine the overall composition and add any final details or adjustments.
color palette
primary · raw umber · titanium white · ultramarine blue
secondary · burnt sienna · yellow ochre · ivory black
Achieve the muted tones by mixing raw umber and titanium white. Add small amounts of ultramarine blue or burnt sienna to create subtle color variations in the sky and figure.
techniques
- ·layering
- ·dry brushing
- ·scumbling
- ·glazing
- ·blending
common pitfalls
- →Overworking the details too early in the process.
- →Creating overly saturated colors that clash with the muted palette.
- →Failing to establish a clear focal point.
- →Ignoring the subtle value changes that create depth and form.
materials
surface · stretched canvas
required
- ·stretched canvas
- ·raw umber oil paint
- ·titanium white oil paint
- ·ultramarine blue oil paint
- ·round brushes (sizes 2, 4, 6)
- ·flat brushes (sizes 4, 8)
- ·linseed oil
- ·odorless mineral spirits
optional
- ·palette knife
- ·medium gloss
- ·easel
Use high-quality oil paints for best results. Allow each layer to dry before applying the next.
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