plate no. 3765
John the Baptist in the Wilderness
Geertgen tot Sint Jans, 1485
experienced study
Recreating this painting will help students develop skills in rendering realistic figures in a landscape setting and understanding atmospheric perspective.
technical profile
palette complexity
3
brushwork visibility
2
value contrast
3
compositional simplicity
2
study guide
est. 25 hrsapproach — 8 steps
- step 01
Sketch the basic composition, paying attention to the placement of the figure and landscape elements.
- step 02
Establish the background with a light wash of blues and greens, creating atmospheric perspective.
- step 03
Block in the main shapes of the trees and foliage, using varying shades of green and brown.
- step 04
Paint the figure, starting with the underpainting of the skin tones and drapery.
- step 05
Add details to the figure, such as facial features, hair, and folds in the clothing.
- step 06
Render the sheep, paying attention to its anatomy and texture.
- step 07
Add highlights and shadows to create depth and dimension.
- step 08
Refine the details and make any necessary adjustments.
color palette
primary · burnt umber · ultramarine blue · yellow ochre
secondary · titanium white · sap green · raw sienna
Mix greens by blending yellow ochre and ultramarine blue. Achieve skin tones by combining burnt umber, yellow ochre, and titanium white.
techniques
- ·glazing
- ·scumbling
- ·atmospheric perspective
- ·figure drawing
- ·drapery study
common pitfalls
- →overworking details too early
- →inaccurate proportions of the figure
- →flat or lifeless colors
- →lack of atmospheric perspective
materials
surface · stretched canvas
required
- ·stretched canvas
- ·oil paints
- ·#2 round brush
- ·#6 flat brush
- ·palette
- ·linseed oil
- ·turpentine
optional
- ·palette knife
- ·medium gloss
- ·easel
Use high-quality oil paints for best results. Consider using a toned canvas to create a warm undertone.
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