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home·artworks·We Were Three Days Taking Out Even What Gold And Gems We Could Loan On Ourselves And Our Beasts, The Treasure Of Three Queens' Pardons
We Were Three Days Taking Out Even What Gold And Gems We Could Loan On Ourselves And Our Beasts, The Treasure Of Three Queens' Pardons by N.C. Wyeth

plate no. 6539

We Were Three Days Taking Out Even What Gold And Gems We Could Loan On Ourselves And Our Beasts, The Treasure Of Three Queens' Pardons

N.C. Wyeth

oil, canvasRealismillustrationfiguresmountainstreesskyfoliagelandscape
some experience helpful

Recreating this painting will help students develop skills in depicting figures in motion and creating depth using atmospheric perspective. It also provides practice in using a limited palette to create a sense of warmth and drama.

technical profile

palette complexity
4
brushwork visibility
4
value contrast
4
compositional simplicity
3

study guide

est. 15 hrs

approach — 8 steps

  1. step 01

    Sketch the basic composition, focusing on the placement of the figures and the mountain range.

  2. step 02

    Establish the overall color scheme by blocking in large areas of color, starting with the sky and mountains.

  3. step 03

    Begin to define the shapes of the figures, paying attention to their poses and gestures.

  4. step 04

    Add details to the trees and foliage, using a variety of brushstrokes to create texture.

  5. step 05

    Refine the details of the figures, including their clothing and facial features.

  6. step 06

    Adjust the values and colors to create a sense of depth and atmosphere.

  7. step 07

    Add final highlights and shadows to enhance the drama of the scene.

  8. step 08

    Step back and assess the overall composition, making any necessary adjustments.

color palette

primary · burnt sienna · yellow ochre · ultramarine blue

secondary · titanium white · raw umber · cadmium red light

Achieve the warm tones by mixing burnt sienna and yellow ochre. Use ultramarine blue to create cooler shadows and atmospheric effects. Add white to lighten values and create highlights.

techniques

  • ·blocking in
  • ·dry brushing
  • ·scumbling
  • ·atmospheric perspective
  • ·figure drawing

common pitfalls

  • →Overworking the details too early in the process.
  • →Failing to establish a strong value structure.
  • →Using too many colors, resulting in a muddy appearance.
  • →Ignoring the importance of atmospheric perspective.

materials

surface · stretched canvas

required

  • ·stretched canvas
  • ·burnt sienna oil paint
  • ·yellow ochre oil paint
  • ·ultramarine blue oil paint
  • ·titanium white oil paint
  • ·round brushes (various sizes)
  • ·flat brushes (various sizes)
  • ·linseed oil

optional

  • ·palette knife
  • ·medium gloss
  • ·easel

Use a medium-sized canvas to allow for sufficient detail. Consider using a toned canvas to establish a base color.

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related guides

oil painting for beginners →how to learn by studying the masters →
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