Painting a Battle Scene

Taming the Chaos: How to Paint an Epic Battle Scene

There is a specific kind of ambition that takes hold of us when we imagine a battle scene. We see the clashing steel, the chaotic movement, and the sweep of history. But when we stand before a blank canvas, that ambition often turns to hesitation.

How do you manage dozens of characters without losing the composition? How do you keep the colors distinct in the mud and the blood? How do you translate a grand digital concept into the tactile reality of oil paint?

Welcome to the studio.

In this course, we are going to demystify the creation of a massive medieval battle scene. We aren't just painting a picture; we are building a world. To ensure you never feel lost in the chaos, I have broken this massive undertaking into a five-part journey that bridges the gap between digital planning and traditional mastery.

Part I: The Vision & The Blueprint

Every masterpiece begins long before the brush touches the canvas. In the opening and digital sections, we slow down to find the story.

We move beyond the abstract concept of "an idea" and learn how to hunt for inspiration that resonates. Before we commit to oils, we will utilize digital tools to map our path. You will learn to:

• Construct a Composition: Master perspective and flow so your viewer’s eye dances across the scene.

• Master Light & Color: Use digital drafting to solve the hardest problems like lighting relationships and color harmony before you ever risk wasting paint.

• Draft the Map: Create a black-and-white sketch and a color draft that will serve as your compass for the rest of the journey.

Part II: The Alchemy of Preparation

A painting is only as good as its foundation. In the Preparation Section, we transition from the screen to the physical world.

This is where we get our hands dirty. I will walk you through my personal studio setup, showing you not just what tools I use, but why I use them. We will cover:

• The Surface: Preparing the canvas and transferring your digital draft with precision.

• The Palette: A deep dive into mixing oils, with a special focus on the nuances of skin tones which are often the most demanding aspect of figurative work.

• The Underpainting: Establishing the first physical layer that anchors the entire piece.

Part III: The Campaign on Canvas

This is the core of the experience. Over several immersive chapters, we watch the image come to life.

We don't rush. We build. We start with local color and the first pass, establishing the major blocks of the scene. Then, we refine.

• Value & Depth: We explore how value structures the painting, allowing us to create volume and atmosphere.

• Materiality: Drawing on techniques from the Old Masters, we will tackle the specific textures that make a medieval scene convincing: the heavy drape of fabric, the sheen of armor, and the grit of worn materials.

• The Final Polish: In the final pass, we tighten the details, making the necessary corrections that turn a good painting into a great one.

A New Way to See

By the time we reach the closing section, you won't just have a finished painting of a battle scene. You will have a repeatable workflow.

Whether you are looking to paint history, fantasy, or just want to understand how to manage complex compositions, this course provides the structure you need to stop worrying about the process and start focusing on the art.

About Me

Hi, I'm Greg Rutkowski and I work as a freelance Illustrator and Concept Artist. Most of my work can be found in game industry making cover/promotional/concept art. Some of my past clients include Netflix, Blizzard, Ubisoft, Magic the Gathering and Riot Games. I look forward to helping you with the skills I've acquired being a professional artist. Are you ready to bring your battles to life? See you in the course.