plate no. 2110
Crucifixion scene, Christ on the Cross with Mary and John
Albrecht Altdorfer, 1516
experienced study
Recreating this painting will help students develop skills in figure drawing, drapery rendering, and atmospheric perspective. It also provides practice in creating complex compositions with multiple elements.
technical profile
palette complexity
4
brushwork visibility
3
value contrast
4
compositional simplicity
2
study guide
est. 40 hrsapproach — 8 steps
- step 01
Create a preliminary sketch outlining the main figures and landscape elements.
- step 02
Block in the basic shapes and colors of the sky and distant landscape.
- step 03
Establish the values and forms of the figures, starting with the central figure of Christ.
- step 04
Develop the drapery folds and details of the clothing.
- step 05
Add details to the landscape, including trees, buildings, and water.
- step 06
Refine the facial features and expressions of the figures.
- step 07
Add final details and highlights to create depth and dimension.
- 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 · ultramarine blue
secondary · yellow ochre · burnt sienna · ivory black
Achieve skin tones by mixing titanium white, cadmium red, and a touch of raw umber. Create atmospheric perspective by adding ultramarine blue to distant colors.
techniques
- ·figure drawing
- ·drapery rendering
- ·atmospheric perspective
- ·glazing
- ·chiaroscuro
common pitfalls
- →Overworking the details too early in the process.
- →Failing to establish a strong value structure.
- →Inaccurate proportions in the figures.
- →Inconsistent lighting and shadows.
materials
surface · stretched canvas
required
- ·stretched canvas 18x24
- ·oil paints (raw umber, titanium white, cadmium red, ultramarine blue, yellow ochre, burnt sienna, ivory black)
- ·linseed oil
- ·turpentine
- ·assorted brushes (round, flat, filbert)
- ·palette
- ·palette knife
- ·rags
optional
- ·retouch varnish
- ·painting medium
Use high-quality oil paints for best results. Allow each layer to dry before applying the next.
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