plate no. 6294
A Rest During the Flight to Egypt
Gerard David, 1515
experienced study
Recreating this painting will help students develop skills in portraiture, rendering drapery, and creating depth through atmospheric perspective. It also provides practice in mixing realistic skin tones and depicting subtle light and shadow.
technical profile
palette complexity
4
brushwork visibility
2
value contrast
4
compositional simplicity
3
study guide
est. 25 hrsapproach — 8 steps
- step 01
Sketch the basic composition, focusing on the placement of the figures and the landscape elements.
- step 02
Establish the background with a thin wash of color, paying attention to the atmospheric perspective.
- step 03
Block in the main shapes of the figures, using a limited palette of earth tones and white.
- step 04
Refine the details of the faces, focusing on accurate proportions and subtle shading.
- step 05
Develop the drapery, paying attention to the folds and highlights.
- step 06
Add details to the landscape, such as the trees, rocks, and distant buildings.
- step 07
Glaze the painting with thin layers of color to create depth and luminosity.
- step 08
Add final details and highlights, such as the texture of the rocks and the highlights in the figures' eyes.
color palette
primary · ivory black · raw umber · titanium white · cadmium red light
secondary · ultramarine blue · yellow ochre · viridian
Mix skin tones by blending white, red, and a touch of yellow ochre. Achieve the darks in the drapery by mixing black and raw umber. Create atmospheric perspective by adding blue to distant colors.
techniques
- ·glazing
- ·scumbling
- ·sfumato
- ·underpainting
common pitfalls
- →Overworking the details too early in the process.
- →Failing to create a sense of depth and atmosphere.
- →Using colors that are too saturated or bright.
- →Incorrect proportions of the figures.
materials
surface · stretched canvas
required
- ·stretched canvas
- ·oil paints
- ·linseed oil
- ·turpentine
- ·palette
- ·assorted brushes
- ·palette knife
optional
- ·medium gloss
- ·retouching varnish
- ·easel
Use high-quality oil paints for best results. Allow each layer to dry completely before applying the next.
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