apprentice
artistsserieslearnchatartworkscommunity gallery
apprentice

deliberate practice for serious artists

aboutgalleryprivacyterms
built by reducibl.com
home·artworks·Exhumation of Saint Hubert
Exhumation of Saint Hubert by Rogier van der Weyden

plate no. 3313

Exhumation of Saint Hubert

Rogier van der Weyden, 1440

oilNorthern Renaissancereligious paintingfiguresarchitectureinteriorreligious scenecolumnswindows
advanced study

Recreating this painting will help students develop skills in rendering complex architectural details and painting realistic figures with subtle shading and drapery.

technical profile

palette complexity
4
brushwork visibility
2
value contrast
3
compositional simplicity
2

study guide

est. 60 hrs

approach — 8 steps

  1. step 01

    Create a detailed preliminary sketch, paying close attention to perspective and proportions of the architecture and figures.

  2. step 02

    Establish the background with a thin wash of color, focusing on the light and shadow patterns within the architectural space.

  3. step 03

    Block in the main figures with basic shapes and colors, considering their poses and interactions.

  4. step 04

    Develop the details of the architecture, including the columns, arches, and windows, using precise brushstrokes and subtle color variations.

  5. step 05

    Refine the figures, adding details to their faces, clothing, and hands, paying attention to the folds and textures of the drapery.

  6. step 06

    Add the details of the objects and decorations, such as the reliquary and the ceremonial objects.

  7. step 07

    Adjust the values and colors to create a sense of depth and atmosphere, using glazes and scumbles to blend and soften the transitions.

  8. step 08

    Add final details and highlights to enhance the realism and visual impact of the painting.

color palette

primary · red · blue · brown · white

secondary · gold · green · ochre · grey

Achieve the rich reds by mixing crimson with a touch of brown. Create the subtle blues by mixing ultramarine with white and a hint of grey. Use glazes to build up the depth of the colors.

techniques

  • ·glazing
  • ·scumbling
  • ·rendering drapery
  • ·linear perspective
  • ·figure drawing

common pitfalls

  • →inaccurate proportions of figures
  • →poor perspective in architecture
  • →muddy colors
  • →overworking details
  • →lack of depth

materials

surface · stretched canvas

required

  • ·stretched canvas
  • ·oil paints (red, blue, brown, white, gold, green, ochre, grey)
  • ·linseed oil
  • ·turpentine
  • ·assorted brushes (small round, filbert, flat)
  • ·palette

optional

  • ·palette knife
  • ·medium gloss
  • ·retouch varnish

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

tips & new artworks in your inbox

no spam — unsubscribe anytime.

or to save artworks, chat, and track progress

related guides

oil painting for beginners →how to learn by studying the masters →
chat about this artwork

in this vein

related artworks

Aristotle

Aristotle

Justus van Gent

The Man of Sorrows with the Virgin Mary and St. John the Evangelist

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

The pride of the beggar sitting on the train of haughtiness

Albrecht Altdorfer

Adoration of the Magi

Adoration of the Magi

Quentin Matsys

Christ on the Cross

Christ on the Cross

Albrecht Altdorfer

Frühling - Das Bereiten Der Blumenbeete

Frühling - Das Bereiten Der Blumenbeete

Pieter Brueghel the Younger

Group of Men

Group of Men

Rogier van der Weyden

Madonna and Child Holding a Pear

Madonna and Child Holding a Pear

Bernard Van Orley