plate no. 1045

The Baptism of Christ

oilInternational Gothicillustrationfiguresriverlandscapearchitecturereligious scenesky

some experience helpful

Recreating this painting will help students develop skills in figure drawing, layering colors to create depth, and rendering intricate details in architecture and clothing. Students will also practice creating a sense of atmosphere and light.

technical profile

palette complexity

brushwork visibility

value contrast

compositional simplicity

study guide

est. 20 hrs

approach — 8 steps

step 01
Lightly sketch the main figures and architectural elements, paying attention to proportions and placement.
step 02
Block in the basic colors of the sky, landscape, and figures with thin washes.
step 03
Begin layering colors to build up depth and form, starting with the background and moving forward.
step 04
Add details to the figures, including facial features, clothing folds, and hair.
step 05
Render the architectural details of the frame, using light and shadow to create a sense of depth.
step 06
Paint the water, reflecting the colors of the sky and landscape.
step 07
Add final highlights and shadows to refine the forms and create a sense of realism.
step 08
Glaze with thin washes to unify the colors and create a harmonious effect.

color palette

primary · ultramarine blue · yellow ochre · ivory black · titanium white

secondary · burnt sienna · vermilion · sap green

Achieve the sky's gradient by gradually lightening ultramarine blue with white. Mix yellow ochre and burnt sienna for the architectural details, adding white for highlights. Create skin tones by mixing white, yellow ochre, and a touch of vermilion.

techniques

·layering
·glazing
·dry brushing
·hatching
·scumbling

common pitfalls

→Overworking the details too early in the process.
→Using colors straight from the tube without mixing.
→Ignoring the importance of light and shadow.
→Getting lost in the details of the architectural frame and losing focus on the main figures.