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home·artworks·Entry into Noah's Ark
Entry into Noah's Ark by Jan Brueghel the Elder

plate no. 5207

Entry into Noah's Ark

Jan Brueghel the Elder

oilBaroqueallegorical paintinganimalslandscapetreesfiguresbirdsark
advanced study

Recreating this painting would develop skills in rendering a wide variety of animal forms and creating depth through atmospheric perspective. It would also challenge the student to manage a complex composition with many elements.

technical profile

palette complexity
4
brushwork visibility
3
value contrast
4
compositional simplicity
1

study guide

est. 40 hrs

approach — 8 steps

  1. step 01

    Begin with a light sketch to establish the overall composition and placement of major elements like the tree, the ark in the distance, and the groups of animals.

  2. step 02

    Establish the background using thin washes of color, focusing on atmospheric perspective to create depth. Lighter, cooler colors should be used for distant elements.

  3. step 03

    Block in the larger shapes of the trees and foliage, paying attention to the variations in color and value.

  4. step 04

    Start adding details to the animals, working from general shapes to specific features. Pay attention to the proportions and anatomy of each animal.

  5. step 05

    Develop the foreground details, including the plants, water, and smaller animals. Use darker values and sharper details to create a sense of depth.

  6. step 06

    Refine the lighting and shadows throughout the painting to create a sense of volume and form.

  7. step 07

    Add the final details, such as the birds in the sky and the figures leading the animals.

  8. step 08

    Glaze with thin layers of color to unify the painting and create a sense of atmosphere.

color palette

primary · earthy browns · greens · blues · ivory black

secondary · reds · yellow ochre · grays

Achieve the muted tones by mixing complementary colors and using a limited palette. Use glazes of transparent colors to create depth and luminosity.

techniques

  • ·glazing
  • ·scumbling
  • ·atmospheric perspective
  • ·rendering animal forms
  • ·fine detail brushwork

common pitfalls

  • →getting lost in the details too early
  • →overworking the painting
  • →not establishing a clear focal point
  • →inaccurate animal proportions

materials

surface · stretched canvas

required

  • ·stretched canvas
  • ·oil paints
  • ·linseed oil
  • ·turpentine
  • ·assorted brushes (small round, flat)
  • ·palette
  • ·palette knife

optional

  • ·painting medium
  • ·varnish
  • ·easel

Use high-quality oil paints for best results. Allow each layer to dry before applying the next.

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related guides

oil painting for beginners →chiaroscuro →how to learn by studying the masters →
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