plate no. 4132

Christ Embracing St Bernard

oilBaroquereligious paintingfigurereligiousmaleclothcrossembrace

experienced study

Recreating this painting will help students develop skills in figure drawing, rendering drapery, and creating dramatic lighting effects using chiaroscuro. It also provides practice in capturing emotional expression through subtle details.

technical profile

palette complexity

brushwork visibility

value contrast

compositional simplicity

study guide

est. 25 hrs

approach — 8 steps

step 01
Create a preliminary sketch to establish the composition and proportions of the figures.
step 02
Block in the main shapes and values using thin washes of color.
step 03
Begin building up the forms with layers of paint, focusing on the light and shadow.
step 04
Pay close attention to the folds and drapery of the monk's robe, using highlights and shadows to create depth.
step 05
Refine the details of the faces, capturing the expressions of Christ and St. Bernard.
step 06
Develop the background with dark, muted tones, allowing the figures to stand out.
step 07
Add final highlights and details to enhance the overall realism and emotional impact.
step 08
Glaze the painting to unify the colors and create a sense of depth.

color palette

primary · ivory black · raw umber · titanium white · yellow ochre

secondary · burnt sienna · cadmium red light

Achieve skin tones by mixing white, yellow ochre, and a touch of red. Use raw umber and ivory black for shadows, and white for highlights. Mix ivory black with burnt sienna to create the dark background.

techniques