plate no. 7411
Study for Nicodemus Visiting Jesus
Henry Ossawa Tanner, 1899
some experience helpful
Recreating this painting will help students develop skills in blocking in shapes, using a limited color palette, and creating atmospheric perspective with loose brushwork. It also encourages simplification of forms and focusing on value relationships.
technical profile
palette complexity
3
brushwork visibility
4
value contrast
4
compositional simplicity
3
study guide
est. 6 hrsapproach — 8 steps
- step 01
Lightly sketch the basic shapes and placement of the figures and background elements.
- step 02
Block in the large areas of dark values using a mix of browns and blues.
- step 03
Add the lighter blues and greens in the background with loose, horizontal strokes.
- step 04
Define the figures further by adding subtle variations in value and color within the dark areas.
- step 05
Introduce the halo around the figure on the right using a light, creamy white.
- step 06
Refine the edges of the figures and background, softening some and defining others.
- step 07
Add final highlights and details to create depth and interest.
- step 08
Step back and adjust values and colors as needed to achieve a cohesive and atmospheric effect.
color palette
primary · ultramarine blue · burnt umber · titanium white
secondary · sap green · yellow ochre
Mix blues and browns to create the dark values. Use white to lighten the blues for the sky and background. Add small amounts of green and yellow ochre to the blues to create subtle variations in the background.
techniques
- ·blocking in
- ·scumbling
- ·dry brushing
- ·atmospheric perspective
- ·value study
common pitfalls
- →Overworking the details and losing the loose, sketch-like quality.
- →Using too much bright color and overpowering the muted tones.
- →Not establishing a strong value structure before adding color.
- →Making the figures too defined and losing the sense of mystery.
materials
surface · stretched canvas
required
- ·stretched canvas
- ·ultramarine blue oil paint
- ·burnt umber oil paint
- ·titanium white oil paint
- ·#4 round brush
- ·#8 flat brush
- ·palette
- ·linseed oil
optional
- ·palette knife
- ·medium gloss
- ·easel
Use a canvas with a slightly textured surface to enhance the brushwork. Consider using a toned canvas to establish a base value.
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