plate no. 0442

Wotan - the supreme god of the ancient Scandinavians

Konstantin Vasilyev, 1969

oilSymbolismmythological paintingfiguremythologyhelmetbeardskyravens

experienced study

Recreating this painting will help students develop skills in portraiture, particularly rendering realistic skin tones and hair, and in creating atmospheric backgrounds with subtle color gradations.

technical profile

palette complexity

brushwork visibility

value contrast

compositional simplicity

study guide

est. 25 hrs

approach — 8 steps

step 01
Sketch the basic composition, focusing on the proportions of the figure and the placement of key elements.
step 02
Establish the background sky with broad, blended strokes of blues and grays.
step 03
Block in the main shapes of the figure, including the face, beard, helmet, and clothing.
step 04
Develop the skin tones using layers of thin paint, paying attention to highlights and shadows.
step 05
Paint the hair, using small brushstrokes to create texture and movement.
step 06
Add details to the helmet, clothing, and ravens, focusing on accurate rendering of form and texture.
step 07
Refine the overall composition, adjusting values and colors as needed.
step 08
Add final highlights and details to create a sense of realism and depth.

color palette

primary · titanium white · ultramarine blue · yellow ochre · burnt umber

secondary · ivory black · cadmium yellow · raw sienna

Mix various shades of blue and gray for the sky. Use yellow ochre, burnt umber, and white to create the skin tones and hair, adjusting the proportions to achieve the desired warmth and depth. Mix black and blue for the ravens.

techniques