plate no. 6688
Christ and Child
Carl Bloch, 1873
experienced study
This painting offers practice in rendering realistic figures and drapery, as well as creating subtle gradations of light and shadow to convey form. Students can also learn to create a focal point using light and composition.
technical profile
palette complexity
3
brushwork visibility
2
value contrast
4
compositional simplicity
3
study guide
est. 20 hrsapproach — 8 steps
- step 01
Sketch the basic composition, focusing on the placement and proportions of the figures and the column.
- step 02
Block in the large areas of color, starting with the background and then the figures' robes.
- step 03
Establish the main light source and begin to develop the highlights and shadows on the figures and drapery.
- step 04
Refine the facial features, paying close attention to the subtle variations in tone and color.
- step 05
Add details to the robes, such as folds and creases, using a variety of brushstrokes.
- step 06
Paint the foliage, using a combination of light and dark greens to create depth and texture.
- step 07
Create the halo effect using soft, blended yellows and whites.
- step 08
Add final details and highlights to complete the painting.
color palette
primary · titanium white · ivory black · raw umber · yellow ochre
secondary · burnt sienna · cadmium yellow light · viridian
Mix various shades of white with small amounts of raw umber and yellow ochre to create the off-white robes. Use ivory black and raw umber for the dark background and shadows. Mix greens from viridian and yellow ochre.
techniques
- ·glazing
- ·blending
- ·chiaroscuro
- ·drapery rendering
- ·portraiture
common pitfalls
- →Overworking the details too early
- →Failing to establish a strong light source
- →Using too much pure white, resulting in a flat, lifeless appearance
- →Incorrect proportions of the figures
materials
surface · stretched canvas
required
- ·stretched canvas 18x24
- ·#2 round brush
- ·#6 flat brush
- ·#10 filbert brush
- ·titanium white oil paint
- ·ivory black oil paint
- ·raw umber oil paint
- ·yellow ochre oil paint
optional
- ·palette knife
- ·linseed oil
- ·turpentine
- ·medium gloss
Use high-quality oil paints for best results. Consider using a toned canvas to help establish the overall value range.
tips & new artworks in your inbox
no spam — unsubscribe anytime.
or to save artworks, chat, and track progress
in this vein
