plate no. 8602

Tuonelan Portilla

oilSymbolismmythological paintingfiguresboatswatertreesskylandscape

some experience helpful

Recreating this painting will help students develop skills in simplified figure painting, creating atmospheric perspective, and using a limited color palette to create mood.

technical profile

palette complexity

brushwork visibility

value contrast

compositional simplicity

study guide

est. 8 hrs

approach — 8 steps

step 01
Sketch the basic composition, focusing on the horizon line and the placement of the central structure.
step 02
Block in the large areas of color: sky, land, water, and the dark hill in the background.
step 03
Add the silhouettes of the trees, ensuring they recede in size as they go into the distance.
step 04
Paint the figures using simple shapes and limited detail, paying attention to their relative sizes and placement.
step 05
Add the boats, focusing on their reflections in the water.
step 06
Refine the details of the central structure, adding texture and dimension.
step 07
Add subtle highlights and shadows to create depth and form.
step 08
Make final adjustments to the colors and values to achieve the desired mood.

color palette

primary · yellow ochre · ultramarine blue · burnt umber · red

secondary · white · black · green

Mix yellow ochre with burnt umber and white for the land. Use ultramarine blue with white for the sky and water, adding a touch of burnt umber to darken the water. Mix burnt umber and black for the dark hill and figures.

techniques