plate no. 5984

Mary's Well at Nazareth

Tivadar Kosztka Csontvary, 1908

oil, canvasExpressionismreligious paintingfigureslandscapearchitecturewellanimalsvillage

some experience helpful

Recreating this painting will help students develop skills in simplifying complex scenes and using a limited palette to create a cohesive and expressive artwork. It also encourages practice in depicting figures in various poses and clothing.

technical profile

palette complexity

brushwork visibility

value contrast

compositional simplicity

study guide

est. 15 hrs

approach — 8 steps

step 01
Lightly sketch the main compositional elements: the hill, buildings, bridge, and figures.
step 02
Block in the large areas of color, starting with the sky and the hill.
step 03
Establish the basic shapes and colors of the bridge and the buildings.
step 04
Begin to define the figures, focusing on their simplified forms and clothing.
step 05
Add details to the figures, such as facial features and folds in their garments.
step 06
Refine the colors and values, paying attention to the overall harmony of the painting.
step 07
Add the final details, such as the pots, animals, and other small elements.
step 08
Review and adjust the painting as needed to achieve the desired effect.

color palette

primary · ochre · ultramarine blue · burnt umber · titanium white

secondary · cadmium red light · viridian green · raw sienna

Mix ochre and burnt umber for the earth tones. Use ultramarine blue and white for the sky and some clothing. Mix red and white for the figures' clothing. Add a touch of green to the blue for cooler shadows.

techniques