plate no. 7703
Jesus Christ and the sinner
Emil Nolde, 1926
some experience helpful
Recreating this painting will help students understand how to simplify forms and use color to convey emotion. It also provides practice in mixing muted color palettes and creating expressive brushstrokes.
technical profile
palette complexity
3
brushwork visibility
4
value contrast
3
compositional simplicity
3
study guide
est. 8 hrsapproach — 8 steps
- step 01
Lightly sketch the basic shapes and placement of the figures.
- step 02
Block in the background with a thin wash of yellow ochre.
- step 03
Establish the main color blocks for each figure (skin tones, hair, clothing).
- step 04
Begin adding darker values to define the forms and create shadows.
- step 05
Introduce secondary colors to add depth and interest to the skin tones and clothing.
- step 06
Refine the facial features, paying attention to the expressions.
- step 07
Add final details and highlights to enhance the overall effect.
- step 08
Evaluate the painting and make any necessary adjustments.
color palette
primary · yellow ochre · burnt umber · cadmium red
secondary · viridian · raw sienna
Mix yellow ochre with small amounts of burnt umber and cadmium red to achieve the various skin tones. Use viridian to create shadows and muted greens. Mix raw sienna with white for highlights.
techniques
- ·blocking
- ·dry brushing
- ·color mixing
- ·simplification
- ·expressive brushwork
common pitfalls
- →Overworking the details and losing the expressive quality.
- →Using colors that are too bright or saturated.
- →Failing to simplify the forms and shapes.
- →Not paying attention to the emotional impact of the colors.
materials
surface · stretched canvas
required
- ·stretched canvas
- ·acrylic or oil paints
- ·yellow ochre paint
- ·burnt umber paint
- ·cadmium red paint
- ·viridian paint
- ·raw sienna paint
- ·assorted brushes (flat and round)
optional
- ·palette knife
- ·painting medium
- ·varnish
Use a limited palette to simplify the color mixing process. Consider using a medium to thin the paint and improve blending.
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