plate no. 7694

Christ carrying the Cross

Orazio Gentileschi, 1605

canvas, oilMannerism (Late Renaissance)religious paintingfigurescrossreligious scenerobeslandscape

study guide

est. 20 hrs

approach — 8 steps

step 01
Lightly sketch the main figures and the cross, paying attention to proportions and placement.
step 02
Block in the basic shapes and colors of the background, using thin washes.
step 03
Establish the main light source and begin to define the shadows and highlights on the figures.
step 04
Start building up the layers of paint on the figures, focusing on the skin tones and drapery.
step 05
Pay close attention to the folds and wrinkles in the clothing, using a variety of brushstrokes to create texture.
step 06
Refine the details of the faces, including the eyes, nose, and mouth.
step 07
Add the final highlights and shadows to create a sense of depth and realism.
step 08
Glaze with thin layers of color to unify the painting and enhance the overall effect.

color palette

primary · raw umber · titanium white · cadmium red light

secondary · ultramarine blue · yellow ochre · burnt sienna

Mix skin tones using titanium white, cadmium red light, and a touch of raw umber. Create shadows by adding ultramarine blue and burnt sienna to the skin tone mixture. Use yellow ochre and burnt sienna to create the golden tones of the robes.

techniques

·underpainting
·glazing
·chiaroscuro
·scumbling
·blending

common pitfalls

→Incorrect proportions of figures
→Overblending and losing detail
→Muddy color mixtures
→Ignoring the light source

materials

surface · stretched canvas

required

·Stretched canvas 18x24
·Oil paints (raw umber, titanium white, cadmium red light, ultramarine blue, yellow ochre, burnt sienna)
·Palette
·Assorted brushes (round, flat, filbert)
·Linseed oil
·Odorless mineral spirits
·Palette knife
·Rags