plate no. 3726
El Pessebre
Joan Brull, 1896
experienced study
Recreating this painting will help students develop skills in rendering figures in varied lighting conditions and creating depth through atmospheric perspective and subtle tonal shifts.
technical profile
palette complexity
4
brushwork visibility
4
value contrast
4
compositional simplicity
2
study guide
est. 30 hrsapproach — 8 steps
- step 01
Begin with a light sketch outlining the main figures and the nativity scene.
- step 02
Establish the dark background tones using a thin wash of burnt umber and black.
- step 03
Block in the main areas of light and shadow on the figures, focusing on the light source from the nativity scene.
- step 04
Develop the details of the faces and clothing, paying attention to the subtle color variations.
- step 05
Paint the nativity scene, using brighter colors and highlights to create a focal point.
- step 06
Refine the background details, softening edges to create depth.
- step 07
Add final highlights and shadows to enhance the form and realism.
- step 08
Glaze with thin layers of color to unify the painting and adjust the overall tone.
color palette
primary · burnt umber · ivory black · yellow ochre · titanium white
secondary · cadmium red · ultramarine blue · raw sienna
Achieve the warm, muted tones by mixing burnt umber, yellow ochre, and white. Use small amounts of red and blue to create subtle color variations in the shadows and highlights.
techniques
- ·chiaroscuro
- ·glazing
- ·scumbling
- ·atmospheric perspective
- ·portraiture
common pitfalls
- →Overworking the details too early in the process.
- →Failing to establish a strong value structure.
- →Using colors that are too saturated.
- →Losing the sense of depth and atmosphere.
materials
surface · stretched canvas
required
- ·stretched canvas
- ·burnt umber oil paint
- ·ivory black oil paint
- ·yellow ochre oil paint
- ·titanium white oil paint
- ·#2 round brush
- ·#6 filbert brush
- ·linseed oil
optional
- ·palette knife
- ·medium (e.g. Liquin)
- ·retouch varnish
Use a high-quality canvas and oil paints for best results. Consider using a medium to speed up drying time.
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