plate no. 1261

A degolação de São João Batista

oilAcademicismreligious paintingfiguresreligious sceneexecutionbloodswordhead

experienced study

Recreating this painting will help students develop skills in figure drawing, anatomical accuracy, and creating realistic skin tones with subtle value changes. It also provides practice in depicting drapery and conveying a narrative through composition.

technical profile

palette complexity

brushwork visibility

value contrast

compositional simplicity

study guide

est. 30 hrs

approach — 8 steps

step 01
Create a preliminary sketch to establish the composition and proportions of the figures.
step 02
Block in the main shapes and values using a limited palette of earth tones.
step 03
Begin refining the figures, paying close attention to anatomical details and muscle structure.
step 04
Develop the drapery, using highlights and shadows to create a sense of volume and movement.
step 05
Mix and apply skin tones, gradually building up layers of color and value.
step 06
Add details such as the sword, the head, and the blood.
step 07
Refine the background, ensuring that it complements the figures without distracting from them.
step 08
Add final highlights and shadows to enhance the overall sense of realism.

color palette

primary · raw umber · titanium white · cadmium red light

secondary · yellow ochre · viridian · ivory black

Achieve skin tones by mixing white, yellow ochre, and a touch of red. Use raw umber and black to create shadows. Mix viridian with white for the greenish hues in the background.

techniques