plate no. 1303
Adoration of Shepherds
Robert Campin, 1420
oil, panelNorthern Renaissancereligious paintingfiguresangelslandscapearchitectureanimalsreligious scene
experienced study
Recreating this painting will help students develop skills in rendering realistic figures and drapery, as well as understanding atmospheric perspective in landscapes. It also requires careful attention to detail and precise brushwork.
technical profile
palette complexity
4
brushwork visibility
2
value contrast
3
compositional simplicity
2
study guide
est. 40 hrsapproach — 8 steps
- step 01
Create a detailed sketch of the composition, paying attention to proportions and perspective.
- step 02
Block in the main areas of color, starting with the background landscape.
- step 03
Begin refining the figures, focusing on accurate anatomy and drapery folds.
- step 04
Develop the details of the architecture and other elements, such as the animals and hay.
- step 05
Add highlights and shadows to create depth and dimension.
- step 06
Carefully render the faces and hands of the figures, paying attention to expression.
- step 07
Glaze thin layers of color to build up richness and luminosity.
- step 08
Add final details and highlights to complete the painting.
color palette
primary · ultramarine blue · vermilion · yellow ochre · titanium white
secondary · sap green · raw umber · gold
Achieve flesh tones by mixing white, vermilion, and a touch of yellow ochre. Create atmospheric perspective by adding blue to distant colors.
techniques
- ·glazing
- ·underpainting
- ·rendering drapery
- ·atmospheric perspective
- ·figure drawing
common pitfalls
- →inaccurate proportions
- →flat or lifeless colors
- →overworking details
- →ignoring atmospheric perspective
materials
surface · stretched canvas
required
- ·stretched canvas
- ·oil paints
- ·turpentine
- ·linseed oil
- ·palette
- ·assorted brushes (small round, flat)
- ·palette knife
optional
- ·medium gloss
- ·retouch varnish
- ·easel
Use high-quality oil paints for best results. Allow each layer to dry before applying the next.
tips & new artworks in your inbox
no spam — unsubscribe anytime.
or to save artworks, chat, and track progress
in this vein
related artworks
Aristotle
Justus van Gent
The Man of Sorrows with the Virgin Mary and St. John the Evangelist
Martin Schongauer
The pride of the beggar sitting on the train of haughtiness
Albrecht Altdorfer
Adoration of the Magi
Quentin Matsys
Christ on the Cross
Albrecht Altdorfer
Frühling - Das Bereiten Der Blumenbeete
Pieter Brueghel the Younger
Group of Men
Rogier van der Weyden
Madonna and Child Holding a Pear
Bernard Van Orley