plate no. 6296
Justice (Christ and the Elders in the Temple)
John Bradley, 1837
some experience helpful
Recreating this painting will help students develop skills in figure drawing, composition, and creating a sense of depth through value and color. It also provides practice in capturing the essence of a scene with simplified forms and details.
technical profile
palette complexity
3
brushwork visibility
4
value contrast
4
compositional simplicity
3
study guide
est. 15 hrsapproach — 8 steps
- step 01
Lightly sketch the main figures and architectural elements, focusing on proportions and placement.
- step 02
Establish the overall value structure by blocking in dark and light areas with thin washes.
- step 03
Begin layering colors, starting with the background and moving towards the foreground.
- step 04
Develop the figures, paying attention to the drapery folds and facial features.
- step 05
Refine the details of the architecture and other elements.
- step 06
Add highlights and shadows to create depth and dimension.
- step 07
Glaze with thin layers of color to unify the painting and enhance the atmosphere.
- step 08
Add final details and adjust values as needed.
color palette
primary · yellow ochre · burnt umber · ivory black
secondary · red ochre · sap green · titanium white
Mix yellow ochre and white for the robes and skin tones. Use burnt umber and black for shadows and darker areas. Mix red ochre with burnt umber for the red robes. Use sap green and burnt umber for the green robes.
techniques
- ·underpainting
- ·glazing
- ·dry brushing
- ·scumbling
- ·chiaroscuro
common pitfalls
- →Overworking the details too early in the process.
- →Failing to establish a strong value structure.
- →Using colors that are too saturated or bright.
- →Ignoring the overall harmony and atmosphere of the painting.
materials
surface · stretched canvas
required
- ·Stretched canvas 16x20
- ·Acrylic or oil paints
- ·Round brushes (sizes 2, 4, 6)
- ·Flat brushes (sizes 4, 8)
- ·Palette
- ·Palette knife
- ·Odorless mineral spirits or water
- ·Linseed oil (if using oil paints)
optional
- ·Medium gloss
- ·Retarder medium
- ·Easel
Use a canvas with a smooth surface for easier blending. Acrylic paints are more beginner-friendly due to their faster drying time.
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