plate no. 8071
Christ at the Home of Mary and Martha
Henry Ossawa Tanner, 1905
experienced study
Recreating this painting will help students understand how to depict dramatic lighting and create a sense of atmosphere using a limited color palette. It also offers practice in painting figures in a dimly lit environment.
technical profile
palette complexity
4
brushwork visibility
4
value contrast
5
compositional simplicity
3
study guide
est. 20 hrsapproach — 8 steps
- step 01
Sketch the basic composition, focusing on the placement of figures and the table.
- step 02
Establish the darkest areas of the painting with a dark brown or black.
- step 03
Block in the main light source (candles) and the areas directly illuminated by them.
- step 04
Begin building up the mid-tones, paying attention to how light falls on the figures and objects.
- step 05
Refine the details of the faces and hands, using subtle variations in color and value.
- step 06
Add highlights to the candles, tablecloth, and other reflective surfaces.
- step 07
Soften edges and blend colors to create a sense of atmosphere.
- step 08
Add final details and adjust values as needed.
color palette
primary · burnt umber · raw sienna · ivory black · titanium white
secondary · yellow ochre · cadmium yellow light · ultramarine blue
Achieve the warm, glowing light by mixing yellows and browns with white. Use small amounts of blue to create cooler shadows.
techniques
- ·chiaroscuro
- ·glazing
- ·scumbling
- ·blending
- ·impasto
common pitfalls
- →Overworking the details too early.
- →Failing to establish a strong value structure.
- →Using colors that are too bright or saturated.
- →Ignoring the subtle variations in light and shadow.
materials
surface · stretched canvas
required
- ·stretched canvas
- ·burnt umber oil paint
- ·raw sienna oil paint
- ·ivory black oil paint
- ·titanium white oil paint
- ·round brushes (various sizes)
- ·palette
- ·linseed oil
optional
- ·palette knife
- ·medium gloss
- ·easel
Use a canvas with a smooth surface to facilitate blending. Consider using a toned canvas to help establish the overall color scheme.
tips & new artworks in your inbox
no spam — unsubscribe anytime.
or to save artworks, chat, and track progress
in this vein
