plate no. 2743
St. Jerome in the Wilderness
Adam Elsheimer, 1610
experienced study
Recreating this painting will help students develop skills in glazing, creating atmospheric perspective, and rendering realistic figures and animals. It also provides practice in composing a complex scene with multiple elements.
technical profile
palette complexity
4
brushwork visibility
3
value contrast
4
compositional simplicity
3
study guide
est. 25 hrsapproach — 8 steps
- step 01
Prepare a toned canvas with a warm underpainting.
- step 02
Sketch the main compositional elements: figures, lion, landscape.
- step 03
Block in the large shapes and values using thin washes of color.
- step 04
Develop the figures and lion, paying attention to anatomy and light.
- step 05
Paint the landscape, creating depth through atmospheric perspective.
- step 06
Add details and highlights to the figures, lion, and landscape.
- step 07
Glaze layers of color to refine the tones and create depth.
- step 08
Add final details and highlights to complete the painting.
color palette
primary · burnt umber · raw sienna · titanium white · ivory black
secondary · cadmium red · yellow ochre · ultramarine blue
Achieve the warm, earthy tones by mixing burnt umber, raw sienna, and yellow ochre. Use ultramarine blue to create cool shadows and atmospheric perspective.
techniques
- ·glazing
- ·scumbling
- ·atmospheric perspective
- ·chiaroscuro
- ·rendering fur
common pitfalls
- →overworking details too early
- →creating muddy colors
- →failing to establish a strong value structure
- →inaccurate anatomy of figures and lion
materials
surface · stretched canvas
required
- ·stretched canvas
- ·burnt umber oil paint
- ·raw sienna oil paint
- ·titanium white oil paint
- ·ivory black oil paint
- ·round brushes (various sizes)
- ·linseed oil
- ·turpentine
optional
- ·palette knife
- ·medium gloss
- ·retouch varnish
Use high-quality oil paints for best results. A smooth canvas surface is recommended for glazing.
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