plate no. 0275

Judas

Albert Tucker, 1955

oil, boardExpressionismreligious paintingfigurecoinshandsfeetportraitreligious

some experience helpful

Recreating this painting will help students develop skills in depicting human anatomy with expressive distortion and in creating a sense of depth and texture through layering and visible brushstrokes. Students will also learn to mix and apply a limited color palette effectively.

technical profile

palette complexity

brushwork visibility

value contrast

compositional simplicity

study guide

est. 12 hrs

approach — 8 steps

step 01
Sketch the basic shapes and proportions of the figure, the box, and the coin placements.
step 02
Establish the background color with a thin wash of yellow ochre and white.
step 03
Block in the main areas of color for the figure, box, and background, focusing on the overall value structure.
step 04
Begin layering and blending colors to create depth and form in the figure and box, paying attention to the light and shadow.
step 05
Add details to the face, hands, and feet, refining the shapes and textures.
step 06
Paint the coins with careful attention to their highlights and shadows to create a metallic effect.
step 07
Refine the background and foreground, adding subtle variations in color and texture.
step 08
Add final details and highlights to complete the painting.

color palette

primary · burnt umber · yellow ochre · titanium white · cadmium red

secondary · ivory black · payne's gray

Mix various shades of brown and flesh tones by combining burnt umber, yellow ochre, cadmium red, and titanium white. Use ivory black and payne's gray for the dark areas and shadows.

techniques