plate no. 0488

Jesus at the Well

Luc-Olivier Merson, 1910

oilSymbolismreligious paintingfigureswelllandscapetreeswater jararchitecture

some experience helpful

Recreating this painting will help students develop skills in figure painting, particularly drapery and skin tones, as well as creating atmospheric perspective in the landscape elements. Students will also learn how to depict textures of stone and foliage.

technical profile

palette complexity

brushwork visibility

value contrast

compositional simplicity

study guide

est. 15 hrs

approach — 8 steps

step 01
Create a preliminary sketch outlining the main figures, well, and landscape elements, paying attention to proportions and composition.
step 02
Establish the basic color blocks for the sky, foliage, figures' clothing, and the well, using thin washes of color.
step 03
Begin refining the figures, focusing on accurate skin tones and the folds of the drapery, using layering and blending techniques.
step 04
Develop the details of the well, including the brickwork and the texture of the stone, using dry brush techniques.
step 05
Add depth to the foliage by layering different shades of green and brown, creating highlights and shadows.
step 06
Refine the landscape elements, including the distant buildings and the ground, using atmospheric perspective to create depth.
step 07
Add final details, such as the water jar, the flowers, and the birds in the sky.
step 08
Glaze with thin layers of color to unify the painting and enhance the overall atmosphere.

color palette

primary · titanium white · yellow ochre · burnt sienna · ultramarine blue

secondary · alizarin crimson · viridian green · raw umber

Achieve skin tones by mixing white, yellow ochre, and a touch of burnt sienna or alizarin crimson. Mix greens by combining ultramarine blue and yellow ochre or viridian green. Use thin washes of diluted colors to create atmospheric perspective.

techniques