plate no. 1381
Crucifixion
Albrecht Altdorfer, 1526
experienced study
Recreating this painting will help students develop skills in figure drawing, atmospheric perspective, and creating a complex composition with multiple focal points. It will also teach how to mix realistic skin tones and create a sense of depth through color and value.
technical profile
palette complexity
4
brushwork visibility
3
value contrast
4
compositional simplicity
2
study guide
est. 30 hrsapproach — 8 steps
- step 01
Create a preliminary sketch to establish the composition and placement of figures and landscape elements.
- step 02
Block in the main shapes and colors of the sky, mountains, and foreground.
- step 03
Begin painting the figures, focusing on accurate proportions and anatomical details.
- step 04
Develop the landscape, paying attention to atmospheric perspective and color variations.
- step 05
Add details to the figures' clothing and facial features.
- step 06
Refine the lighting and shadows to create depth and dimension.
- step 07
Add final details, such as the nails, blood, and textures.
- 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 · yellow ochre
secondary · ultramarine blue · viridian green · burnt sienna
Mix skin tones using white, red, yellow ochre, and a touch of umber. Achieve atmospheric perspective by adding blue to distant colors.
techniques
- ·figure drawing
- ·atmospheric perspective
- ·glazing
- ·scumbling
- ·chiaroscuro
common pitfalls
- →Incorrect proportions of figures
- →Flat or unrealistic skin tones
- →Lack of atmospheric perspective
- →Overworking details too early
- →Ignoring the overall composition
materials
surface · stretched canvas
required
- ·stretched canvas
- ·raw umber oil paint
- ·titanium white oil paint
- ·cadmium red light oil paint
- ·yellow ochre oil paint
- ·#2 round brush
- ·#6 flat brush
- ·palette
optional
- ·palette knife
- ·linseed oil
- ·turpentine
- ·medium gloss
Use high-quality oil paints for best results. Consider using a toned canvas to create a more unified color palette.
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