plate no. 7810

Encuentro Del Nazareno Con Su Madre

oilBaroquereligious paintingfiguresreligious scenecrosscrowdrobeslandscape

experienced study

This painting provides practice in rendering figures in dramatic lighting and creating a sense of depth through value and atmospheric perspective. Students will also learn to mix realistic skin tones and depict fabric folds.

technical profile

palette complexity

brushwork visibility

value contrast

compositional simplicity

study guide

est. 20 hrs

approach — 8 steps

step 01
Sketch the basic composition, focusing on the placement of figures and the cross.
step 02
Establish the dark background with a thin wash of dark brown or black.
step 03
Block in the main light areas on the figures, using a mid-tone base.
step 04
Begin adding highlights and shadows to sculpt the forms, paying attention to the light source.
step 05
Refine the details of the faces, hands, and clothing folds.
step 06
Paint the cross, using light and shadow to create a sense of volume.
step 07
Add subtle details to the background landscape.
step 08
Glaze with thin layers of color to unify the painting and enhance the depth.

color palette

primary · burnt umber · raw sienna · ivory black · titanium white

secondary · cadmium red · yellow ochre

Mix skin tones using burnt umber, raw sienna, and white, with small amounts of red or yellow ochre for warmth. Create shadows by adding black or burnt umber to the base skin tone. Use thin washes of color to create depth and atmosphere.

techniques