plate no. 5868

Calvary Triptych (Right panel)

oil, woodNorthern Renaissancereligious paintingfigureslandscapeskymountainsreligious scenecross

experienced study

Recreating this painting will help students develop skills in figure drawing, drapery rendering, and atmospheric perspective. It also provides practice in creating a complex composition with many elements.

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 placement of figures.
step 02
Block in the basic shapes and colors of the landscape and sky.
step 03
Begin painting the figures, starting with the larger forms and gradually adding details.
step 04
Pay close attention to the drapery and folds in the clothing.
step 05
Use glazing techniques to build up depth and luminosity in the colors.
step 06
Add details to the faces and hands of the figures.
step 07
Refine the landscape and sky, paying attention to atmospheric perspective.
step 08
Add final details and highlights.

color palette

primary · red · blue · green · brown

secondary · yellow · white · ochre

Achieve the muted tones by mixing complementary colors and using thin glazes. Create variations in skin tones by mixing red, yellow, white, and a touch of blue.

techniques