plate no. 7707
Crucifixion
Konrad Witz, 1444
some experience helpful
Recreating this painting will help students develop skills in figure drawing, drapery rendering, and atmospheric perspective. It also provides practice in mixing subtle color variations to create depth and form.
technical profile
palette complexity
3
brushwork visibility
2
value contrast
3
compositional simplicity
2
study guide
est. 20 hrsapproach — 8 steps
- step 01
Sketch the basic composition, focusing on the placement of the figures and the cross.
- step 02
Block in the main colors of the sky, landscape, and figures with thin washes.
- step 03
Develop the form of Christ, paying attention to anatomy and light.
- step 04
Add details to the drapery of the figures, using highlights and shadows to create volume.
- step 05
Paint the background elements, such as the buildings and mountains, using atmospheric perspective.
- step 06
Refine the details of the faces and hands of the figures.
- step 07
Add final details, such as the texture of the grass and the details of the cross.
- step 08
Glaze with thin layers to unify the colors and create depth.
color palette
primary · ultramarine blue · yellow ochre · vermilion · titanium white
secondary · raw umber · ivory black · cadmium yellow light
Achieve the flesh tones by mixing white, yellow ochre, and a touch of vermilion. Create the blues of the sky and drapery by mixing ultramarine blue with white and a touch of yellow ochre. Mix greens for the landscape using yellow ochre, ultramarine blue, and raw umber.
techniques
- ·glazing
- ·scumbling
- ·dry brushing
- ·underpainting
- ·atmospheric perspective
common pitfalls
- →Overworking the details too early in the process.
- →Failing to establish a strong value structure.
- →Using colors that are too saturated.
- →Ignoring the principles of atmospheric perspective.
materials
surface · stretched canvas
required
- ·stretched canvas
- ·gesso
- ·ultramarine blue oil paint
- ·yellow ochre oil paint
- ·vermilion oil paint
- ·titanium white oil paint
- ·round brushes (various sizes)
- ·linseed oil
optional
- ·palette knife
- ·damar varnish
- ·medium
Use high-quality oil paints for best results. Prepare the canvas with gesso to create a smooth surface.
tips & new artworks in your inbox
no spam — unsubscribe anytime.
or to save artworks, chat, and track progress
related guides
in this vein
related artworks
Aristotle
Justus van Gent
The Man of Sorrows with the Virgin Mary and St. John the Evangelist
Martin Schongauer
The pride of the beggar sitting on the train of haughtiness
Albrecht Altdorfer
Adoration of the Magi
Quentin Matsys
Christ on the Cross
Albrecht Altdorfer
Frühling - Das Bereiten Der Blumenbeete
Pieter Brueghel the Younger
Group of Men
Rogier van der Weyden
Madonna and Child Holding a Pear
Bernard Van Orley