plate no. 5032

David and Batsheba mourning over Their Dead Son

panel, oil, woodBaroquereligious paintingfiguresinteriormourningreligious scenedeatharchitecture

experienced study

This painting provides an opportunity to study chiaroscuro and how light can be used to create drama and focus. Students can also practice rendering complex drapery and facial expressions.

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 map out the composition and placement of figures.
step 02
Establish the dark background using thin washes of dark brown and black.
step 03
Block in the main figures with mid-tone values, paying attention to their poses and proportions.
step 04
Begin layering highlights on the figures closest to the light source, focusing on the faces and drapery.
step 05
Develop the details of the clothing and accessories, using subtle color variations and brushstrokes.
step 06
Refine the facial expressions and gestures of the figures to convey the emotion of the scene.
step 07
Add the details of the architectural background and other elements, keeping them subdued and in shadow.
step 08
Apply final glazes to unify the painting and enhance the depth of color.

color palette

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

secondary · cadmium red · ultramarine blue

Achieve the dark, rich tones by mixing burnt umber and ivory black. Use yellow ochre and titanium white for highlights, and small amounts of cadmium red and ultramarine blue to create subtle color variations.

techniques

·chiaroscuro
·glazing
·scumbling
·dry brushing
·underpainting

common pitfalls

→Overworking the details in the background, which should remain subdued.
→Failing to establish a strong value contrast, resulting in a flat and lifeless painting.
→Using colors that are too bright or saturated, which will detract from the overall mood.
→Losing the proportions of the figures as you add layers of paint.