plate no. 1065

Theseus Taming the Bull of Marathon

Charles-Andre van Loo (Carle van Loo), 1730

oil, canvasRococomythological paintingfiguresarchitecturebullmythologyceremonyclassical

experienced study

Recreating this painting will help students develop skills in figure drawing, composition, and creating depth through atmospheric perspective. It also provides practice in rendering textures and fabrics with oil paints.

technical profile

palette complexity

brushwork visibility

value contrast

compositional simplicity

study guide

est. 30 hrs

approach — 8 steps

step 01
Create a rough sketch to establish the overall composition and placement of figures and architectural elements.
step 02
Block in the large shapes and areas of color, focusing on the overall value structure.
step 03
Develop the background elements, paying attention to atmospheric perspective and softening details.
step 04
Refine the figures, starting with the central figures and working outwards.
step 05
Add details to the architectural elements, such as the columns and archway.
step 06
Work on the bull, paying attention to its anatomy and texture.
step 07
Add highlights and shadows to create form and depth.
step 08
Refine the details and make any necessary adjustments to the composition.

color palette

primary · burnt umber · yellow ochre · titanium white · ivory black

secondary · ultramarine blue · cadmium red · raw sienna

Achieve the warm, muted tones by mixing burnt umber, yellow ochre, and white. Use ultramarine blue and burnt umber to create grays for shadows. Mix cadmium red with burnt umber and white for the flesh tones.

techniques

·glazing
·scumbling
·chiaroscuro
·figure drawing
·atmospheric perspective

common pitfalls

→Getting lost in the details too early.
→Failing to establish a strong value structure.
→Ignoring the principles of atmospheric perspective.
→Overworking the painting and losing the freshness of the brushstrokes.

materials

surface · stretched canvas

required

·stretched canvas (18x24 inches)
·oil paints (burnt umber, yellow ochre, titanium white, ivory black, ultramarine blue, cadmium red, raw sienna)
·linseed oil
·turpentine or odorless mineral spirits
·palette
·assorted brushes (round, flat, filbert)
·palette knife