plate no. 2240

The Capture of Christ

oilBaroquereligious paintingfiguresmenred robecapturereligious scenedark background

experienced study

Recreating this painting will help students develop skills in chiaroscuro and dramatic lighting, as well as figure painting and rendering fabric folds. It also provides practice in creating a sense of depth and drama through value contrasts.

technical profile

palette complexity

brushwork visibility

value contrast

compositional simplicity

study guide

est. 20 hrs

approach — 8 steps

step 01
Sketch the basic composition, focusing on the placement and proportions of the figures.
step 02
Establish the dark background using a thin wash of dark brown or black.
step 03
Block in the main areas of light and shadow on the figures, paying attention to the direction of the light source.
step 04
Begin layering in the local colors of the figures' clothing and skin tones.
step 05
Refine the details of the faces, hands, and other key areas, using smaller brushes.
step 06
Develop the folds and highlights in the red robe, using a range of red and brown tones.
step 07
Add the details of the ropes and other elements, using a fine brush.
step 08
Glaze the painting to unify the colors and deepen the shadows.

color palette

primary · red ochre · burnt umber · ivory black · titanium white

secondary · yellow ochre · ultramarine blue

Achieve the flesh tones by mixing white, red ochre, and a touch of yellow ochre. Darken shadows with burnt umber and a hint of black. Create the red robe by mixing red ochre with burnt umber for shadows and adding white for highlights.

techniques

·chiaroscuro
·glazing
·scumbling
·underpainting
·figure drawing

common pitfalls

→Failing to establish a strong value structure early on.
→Overworking the details before establishing the overall form.
→Using colors that are too bright or saturated.
→Ignoring the subtle variations in skin tones.

materials

surface · stretched canvas

required

·Stretched canvas (18x24 inches)
·Oil paints (red ochre, burnt umber, ivory black, titanium white, yellow ochre, ultramarine blue)
·Linseed oil
·Odorless mineral spirits
·Assorted brushes (round and flat, sizes 2-8)
·Palette
·Palette knife
·Rags