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home·artworks·Christ Blessing, central panel from a triptych from the Church of Santa Maria la Real, Najera
Christ Blessing, central panel from a triptych from the Church of Santa Maria la Real, Najera by Hans Memling

plate no. 5731

Christ Blessing, central panel from a triptych from the Church of Santa Maria la Real, Najera

Hans Memling, 1490

oil, panelNorthern Renaissancereligious paintingChristangelsreligious figurescloudscrownwings
experienced study

Recreating this painting will help students develop skills in portraiture, drapery, and rendering textures like gold and fabric. It also provides practice in creating a complex composition with multiple figures.

technical profile

palette complexity
3
brushwork visibility
3
value contrast
3
compositional simplicity
2

study guide

est. 30 hrs

approach — 8 steps

  1. step 01

    Begin with a light sketch outlining the main figures and their positions.

  2. step 02

    Establish the background color with thin washes of ochre and umber.

  3. step 03

    Block in the main shapes of the figures, focusing on accurate proportions.

  4. step 04

    Develop the drapery folds and details of the clothing, paying attention to light and shadow.

  5. step 05

    Paint the faces, focusing on subtle expressions and skin tones.

  6. step 06

    Add details like the crown, cross, and other symbolic objects.

  7. step 07

    Refine the background and add the cloud formations.

  8. step 08

    Add final highlights and shadows to create depth and dimension.

color palette

primary · ivory black · yellow ochre · burnt umber · cadmium red

secondary · ultramarine blue · titanium white · gold

Mix various shades of brown and ochre for the background and clothing. Use white to lighten colors for highlights and add blue to darken for shadows. Mix gold with ochre and a touch of brown for a realistic metallic effect.

techniques

  • ·glazing
  • ·scumbling
  • ·dry brushing
  • ·blending
  • ·layering

common pitfalls

  • →Getting the proportions of the figures wrong.
  • →Overworking the details and losing the overall harmony.
  • →Using colors that are too bright or saturated.
  • →Failing to create a sense of depth and atmosphere.

materials

surface · stretched canvas

required

  • ·stretched canvas
  • ·oil paints
  • ·linseed oil
  • ·turpentine
  • ·assorted brushes (round and flat)
  • ·palette
  • ·palette knife
  • ·rags

optional

  • ·retouch varnish
  • ·painting medium
  • ·mahl stick

Use high-quality oil paints for best results. Allow each layer to dry before applying the next.

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oil painting for beginners →how to learn by studying the masters →
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