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home·artworks·Crowning with Thorns
Crowning with Thorns by Jan Joest

plate no. 1846

Crowning with Thorns

Jan Joest

oilNorthern Renaissancereligious paintingfiguresreligious scenearchitecturethornsrobesinterior
experienced study

Recreating this painting will help students develop skills in rendering realistic figures, drapery, and architectural details, as well as understanding complex compositions and color harmonies.

technical profile

palette complexity
4
brushwork visibility
2
value contrast
3
compositional simplicity
3

study guide

est. 30 hrs

approach — 8 steps

  1. step 01

    Create a preliminary sketch, focusing on the placement and proportions of the figures and architectural elements.

  2. step 02

    Block in the main shapes and colors of the background, including the architecture and the figures in the background.

  3. step 03

    Begin layering the colors of the figures' robes, starting with the darker tones and gradually adding highlights.

  4. step 04

    Pay close attention to the folds and shadows in the drapery to create a sense of depth and volume.

  5. step 05

    Carefully render the faces and hands of the figures, paying attention to the details of their expressions.

  6. step 06

    Add the details of the crown of thorns and the sticks, using thin, precise brushstrokes.

  7. step 07

    Refine the details of the architectural elements, such as the columns and arches.

  8. step 08

    Add final highlights and shadows to create a sense of depth and realism.

color palette

primary · brown · red · blue · gold

secondary · green · white · grey

Mix browns from burnt umber and yellow ochre. Achieve muted tones by mixing complementary colors.

techniques

  • ·glazing
  • ·scumbling
  • ·chiaroscuro
  • ·underpainting
  • ·layering

common pitfalls

  • →Getting the proportions of the figures wrong.
  • →Failing to create a sense of depth and volume in the drapery.
  • →Overworking the details and losing the overall sense of harmony.
  • →Not paying enough attention to the lighting and shadows.

materials

surface · stretched canvas

required

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

optional

  • ·Retouch varnish
  • ·Medium (e.g., Liquin)

Use high-quality oil paints for best results. Consider using a toned canvas to speed up the painting process.

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