plate no. 0449

Altar of the Holy Family

Werner Berg, 1933

oilExpressionismgenre paintingfamilyfigureschildportraitreligious

suitable for beginners

Recreating this painting will help students practice simplifying forms and mixing a limited color palette to create a cohesive and expressive image. It also encourages observation of subtle value changes within seemingly flat areas.

technical profile

palette complexity

brushwork visibility

value contrast

compositional simplicity

study guide

est. 8 hrs

approach — 8 steps

step 01
Lightly sketch the basic shapes and proportions of the figures.
step 02
Block in the large areas of color: background, clothing, and skin tones.
step 03
Refine the shapes of the figures, paying attention to the angles and curves.
step 04
Add the details of the faces, such as the eyes, nose, and mouth.
step 05
Introduce subtle value changes within each color area to create depth.
step 06
Define the edges of the figures with slightly darker or lighter tones.
step 07
Add any final details, such as the highlights on the child's white shirt.
step 08
Review the painting and make any necessary adjustments.

color palette

primary · red · blue · white · black

secondary · yellow ochre · raw umber

Mix red and blue to achieve the various shades of blue in the clothing. Use white to lighten the skin tones and create highlights. Mix yellow ochre and raw umber to create the skin tones.

techniques