plate no. 0408
Ecclesia
Konrad Witz, 1440
some experience helpful
Recreating this painting will help students develop skills in rendering drapery folds, creating a sense of depth through subtle value changes, and accurately depicting metallic surfaces.
technical profile
palette complexity
3
brushwork visibility
2
value contrast
3
compositional simplicity
4
study guide
est. 20 hrsapproach — 8 steps
- step 01
Lightly sketch the main shapes: figure, architectural setting, and objects.
- step 02
Establish the basic color blocks for the background, figure's robe, and clothing.
- step 03
Begin layering the robe with darker shades to create folds and shadows.
- step 04
Add highlights to the robe to define its form and texture.
- step 05
Paint the face and hands, paying attention to subtle value changes for form.
- step 06
Render the chalice and cross with metallic highlights and shadows.
- step 07
Refine the architectural details and window.
- step 08
Add final details and adjust values for overall harmony.
color palette
primary · red · white · grey · gold
secondary · blue · black · brown
Achieve the red robe color by mixing a crimson red with a touch of brown or black for shadows and white for highlights. Mix greys by combining white, black, and a touch of blue or brown.
techniques
- ·glazing
- ·scumbling
- ·chiaroscuro
- ·underpainting
common pitfalls
- →Overworking the details too early in the process.
- →Failing to establish a strong value structure.
- →Inaccurate proportions of the figure.
- →Not capturing the subtle light and shadow on the metallic objects.
materials
surface · stretched canvas
required
- ·Stretched canvas
- ·Oil paints (red, white, black, blue, brown, gold)
- ·Linseed oil
- ·Turpentine or mineral spirits
- ·Assorted brushes (small round, flat)
- ·Palette
- ·Palette knife
- ·Rags
optional
- ·Medium gloss
- ·Retouch varnish
- ·Easel
Use high-quality oil paints for best results. Consider using a toned canvas to simplify the underpainting process.
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