plate no. 1834
Holy Family
Nicolas Poussin, 1650
experienced study
Recreating this painting will help students develop skills in figure drawing, drapery painting, and creating atmospheric perspective in landscapes. It also provides practice in rendering realistic skin tones and capturing subtle emotions in facial expressions.
technical profile
palette complexity
3
brushwork visibility
3
value contrast
3
compositional simplicity
2
study guide
est. 30 hrsapproach — 8 steps
- step 01
Begin with a light sketch outlining the main figures and architectural elements.
- step 02
Establish the background landscape with broad washes of color, focusing on atmospheric perspective.
- step 03
Block in the main colors of the figures' clothing and skin tones.
- step 04
Refine the figures' forms and add details to their faces and hands.
- step 05
Add highlights and shadows to create depth and dimension in the drapery.
- step 06
Paint the architectural details, paying attention to light and shadow.
- step 07
Add final details to the landscape, such as trees and clouds.
- step 08
Glaze the painting to unify the colors and create a sense of depth.
color palette
primary · red ochre · ultramarine blue · yellow ochre · titanium white
secondary · burnt umber · raw sienna · ivory black
Achieve skin tones by mixing red ochre, yellow ochre, and titanium white, adjusting the proportions for different areas. Create atmospheric perspective in the landscape by adding blue and white to the base colors.
techniques
- ·figure drawing
- ·drapery painting
- ·atmospheric perspective
- ·glazing
- ·portraiture
common pitfalls
- →Getting the proportions of the figures wrong
- →Overworking the details
- →Failing to create a sense of depth in the landscape
- →Using colors that are too bright or saturated
materials
surface · stretched canvas
required
- ·stretched canvas
- ·oil paints
- ·linseed oil
- ·turpentine
- ·palette
- ·assorted brushes
- ·palette knife
optional
- ·medium gloss
- ·retouch varnish
- ·easel
Use high-quality oil paints for best results. Allow each layer of paint to dry before applying the next.
tips & new artworks in your inbox
no spam — unsubscribe anytime.
or to save artworks, chat, and track progress
in this vein
related artworks
Landscape with Shepherds - The Pont Molle
Claude Lorrain
Presentation of Christ in the Temple
Simon Vouet
Landscape with the Funeral of Phocion
Nicolas Poussin
Confirmation
Nicolas Poussin
The Baptism of Christ
Jacques Stella
Landscape with Diogenes
Nicolas Poussin
Landscape with Water Mill
Claude Lorrain
The pilgrims of Emmaus
Jacques Stella