plate no. 2629

Carrying the Cross

oil, canvasBaroquereligious paintingfigurecrossreligious scenecrowdlandscapedark

experienced study

Recreating this painting will help students develop skills in creating dramatic lighting and rendering figures in motion. It also provides practice in using a limited palette to create a cohesive and atmospheric scene.

technical profile

palette complexity

brushwork visibility

value contrast

compositional simplicity

study guide

est. 15 hrs

approach — 8 steps

step 01
Prepare a toned canvas with a warm brown underpainting.
step 02
Lightly sketch the main figures and the cross, focusing on proportions and placement.
step 03
Block in the darkest areas with a mix of burnt umber and black.
step 04
Begin to build up the mid-tones using mixtures of brown, ochre, and white.
step 05
Add highlights to the figures and the cross, using lighter shades of ochre and white.
step 06
Refine the details of the figures' faces and clothing, paying attention to the direction of light.
step 07
Create a sense of depth by blurring the background figures and softening the edges.
step 08
Add final touches and glazes to enhance the overall atmosphere.

color palette

primary · burnt umber · ivory black · yellow ochre

secondary · titanium white · raw sienna · red oxide

Achieve the dark tones by mixing burnt umber and black. Use yellow ochre and white for highlights. Mix small amounts of red oxide for subtle warmth in the skin tones.

techniques