plate no. 1703
Enterro de Cristo
Gregorio Lopes, 1539
experienced study
Recreating this painting will help students develop skills in figure drawing, drapery rendering, and creating a complex composition with multiple focal points. It also provides practice in achieving realistic skin tones and subtle color variations.
technical profile
palette complexity
4
brushwork visibility
3
value contrast
4
compositional simplicity
2
study guide
est. 30 hrsapproach — 8 steps
- step 01
Create a preliminary sketch outlining the main figures and compositional elements.
- step 02
Establish the background landscape and architectural details with thin washes of color.
- step 03
Block in the main color masses for each figure, paying attention to the overall value structure.
- step 04
Begin refining the figures, focusing on accurate proportions and anatomical details.
- step 05
Develop the drapery folds and textures, using highlights and shadows to create depth.
- step 06
Mix and apply skin tones, layering colors to achieve realistic variations.
- step 07
Add details such as facial features, hair, and jewelry.
- step 08
Refine the overall composition, adjusting values and colors to create a sense of harmony and balance.
color palette
primary · yellow ochre · burnt umber · cadmium red · titanium white
secondary · ultramarine blue · viridian green · ivory black
Mix skin tones using white, red, yellow ochre, and a touch of blue or green for shadows. Achieve the drapery colors by mixing primary colors with white and umber for muted tones.
techniques
- ·figure drawing
- ·drapery rendering
- ·glazing
- ·chiaroscuro
- ·color layering
common pitfalls
- →Incorrect proportions of figures
- →Overly bright or saturated colors
- →Lack of depth in the drapery folds
- →Ignoring the value structure
- →Getting lost in details too early
materials
surface · stretched canvas
required
- ·stretched canvas 18x24
- ·#2 round brush
- ·#6 flat brush
- ·acrylic or oil paints
- ·palette
- ·linseed oil (if using oils)
- ·mineral spirits (if using oils)
optional
- ·palette knife
- ·medium gloss
- ·easel
Use a medium-grit canvas for better paint adhesion. Consider using a toned canvas to establish a base color.
tips & new artworks in your inbox
no spam — unsubscribe anytime.
or to save artworks, chat, and track progress
in this vein
related artworks
Aristotle
Justus van Gent
The Man of Sorrows with the Virgin Mary and St. John the Evangelist
Martin Schongauer
The pride of the beggar sitting on the train of haughtiness
Albrecht Altdorfer
Adoration of the Magi
Quentin Matsys
Christ on the Cross
Albrecht Altdorfer
Frühling - Das Bereiten Der Blumenbeete
Pieter Brueghel the Younger
Group of Men
Rogier van der Weyden
Madonna and Child Holding a Pear
Bernard Van Orley