plate no. 7197
Entombment of Christ
Albrecht Altdorfer, 1518
experienced study
Recreating this painting will help students develop skills in figure drawing, landscape painting, and creating a sense of depth through atmospheric perspective. It also provides practice in rendering complex drapery 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
Sketch the basic composition, focusing on the placement of the figures and the landscape elements.
- step 02
Establish the main color blocks for the sky, landscape, and figures using thin washes.
- step 03
Begin to build up the values in the landscape, paying attention to atmospheric perspective.
- step 04
Develop the figures, starting with the underpainting and gradually adding details and highlights.
- step 05
Work on the drapery, using a combination of blending and layering techniques.
- step 06
Refine the details of the faces and hands, paying attention to the expressions and gestures.
- step 07
Add the final touches, such as the highlights on the figures and the details in the landscape.
- step 08
Glaze the painting to unify the colors and add depth.
color palette
primary · ultramarine blue · burnt umber · yellow ochre · crimson red
secondary · viridian green · titanium white · ivory black
Achieve the muted tones by mixing complementary colors and using white to create tints. Use thin glazes of color to build up depth and luminosity.
techniques
- ·glazing
- ·scumbling
- ·atmospheric perspective
- ·figure drawing
- ·drapery rendering
common pitfalls
- →overworking the details
- →losing the sense of depth
- →using colors that are too bright
- →incorrect proportions of the figures
materials
surface · stretched canvas
required
- ·stretched canvas
- ·oil paints
- ·turpentine
- ·linseed oil
- ·palette
- ·assorted brushes
- ·palette knife
optional
- ·medium gloss
- ·retouch varnish
- ·easel
Use high-quality oil paints for best results. Prepare the canvas with gesso before painting.
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