plate no. 3613
Christ carried to the Tomb
Rogier van der Weyden, 1460
experienced study
Recreating this drawing will help students develop skills in figure drawing, drapery depiction, and cross-hatching techniques for creating depth and form. It also encourages careful observation of light and shadow.
technical profile
palette complexity
2
brushwork visibility
1
value contrast
3
compositional simplicity
2
study guide
est. 20 hrsapproach — 8 steps
- step 01
Begin with a light sketch of the overall composition, focusing on the placement of the figures.
- step 02
Refine the sketch, paying attention to the proportions and anatomy of the figures.
- step 03
Start adding details to the faces, hands, and feet.
- step 04
Begin to define the drapery, using light lines to indicate the folds and shadows.
- step 05
Use cross-hatching to build up the darker areas and create depth.
- step 06
Pay attention to the direction of the light and how it affects the shadows.
- step 07
Add final details, such as the skull and the architectural elements.
- step 08
Review and adjust the values to create a sense of depth and realism.
color palette
primary · sepia · white
secondary ·
Varying the pressure and density of the sepia ink or pencil will create different shades and values.
techniques
- ·cross-hatching
- ·figure drawing
- ·drapery study
- ·value shading
- ·contour drawing
common pitfalls
- →Failing to establish accurate proportions in the initial sketch.
- →Overworking the details before establishing the overall values.
- →Creating flat, lifeless drapery.
- →Ignoring the direction of the light and its effect on the shadows.
materials
surface · smooth drawing paper
required
- ·Smooth paper
- ·Graphite pencils (HB, 2B, 4B)
- ·Eraser
- ·Kneaded eraser
- ·Blending stump
- ·Ruler
optional
- ·sepia ink
- ·fine liner pens
- ·watercolor pencils
Use a variety of pencil grades to achieve different values. A blending stump can help to smooth out the shading.
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