plate no. 3960
Pietà
Fra Bartolomeo, 1516
some experience helpful
Recreating this painting will help students develop skills in figure drawing, drapery rendering, and creating a somber mood through color and value. It also provides practice in achieving smooth transitions and subtle color variations.
technical profile
palette complexity
3
brushwork visibility
3
value contrast
4
compositional simplicity
3
study guide
est. 20 hrsapproach — 8 steps
- step 01
Create a preliminary sketch to establish the composition and proportions of the figures.
- step 02
Block in the main shapes and colors of the background and figures using thin washes.
- step 03
Begin building up the values and details of the figures, focusing on the light and shadow.
- step 04
Work on the drapery, paying attention to the folds and how they define the forms.
- step 05
Refine the facial features and expressions of the figures.
- step 06
Add the halos and any other small details.
- step 07
Glaze with thin layers of color to unify the painting and enhance the depth.
- step 08
Add final highlights and shadows to create a sense of realism.
color palette
primary · red ochre · ivory black · titanium white · raw umber
secondary · ultramarine blue · yellow ochre
Achieve the flesh tones by mixing white, red ochre, and a touch of raw umber. Use ultramarine blue and ivory black to create the grays for the drapery. Mix red ochre with a touch of black to create the darker reds.
techniques
- ·underpainting
- ·glazing
- ·chiaroscuro
- ·blending
- ·figure drawing
common pitfalls
- →Incorrect proportions of the figures.
- →Overworking the details too early in the process.
- →Failing to create a sense of depth and atmosphere.
- →Inaccurate rendering of the drapery folds.
materials
surface · stretched canvas
required
- ·Stretched canvas
- ·Oil paints (red ochre, ivory black, titanium white, raw umber, ultramarine blue, yellow ochre)
- ·Linseed oil
- ·Odorless mineral spirits
- ·Palette
- ·Assorted brushes (round and flat)
- ·Palette knife
- ·Rags
optional
- ·medium gloss
- ·retouch varnish
Use high-quality oil paints for best results. Consider using a toned canvas to create a warmer underpainting.
tips & new artworks in your inbox
no spam — unsubscribe anytime.
or to save artworks, chat, and track progress
in this vein
related artworks
The Adoration of the Kings
Giorgione
The Annunciation
Vittore Carpaccio
Madonna and Child with Saints Liberale and Francis (The Castelfranco Madonna)
Giorgione
St. Helena
Cima da Conegliano
St. Nicholas of Tolentino
Pietro Perugino
Portrait of Elizabeth Gonzaga
Raphael
Sibyl
Dosso Dossi
Madonna with Child and Saints
Raphael