plate no. 5809

The Crucifixion

canvas, oilBaroquereligious paintingfigurescrucifixionsoldierscityscapeskyreligious

advanced study

Recreating this painting will help students develop skills in figure drawing, anatomy, and rendering complex scenes with many figures. It also provides practice in creating realistic skin tones and drapery.

technical profile

palette complexity

brushwork visibility

value contrast

compositional simplicity

study guide

est. 40 hrs

approach — 8 steps

step 01
Create a preliminary sketch to establish the composition and proportions of the figures and background.
step 02
Block in the main shapes and colors using thin washes of paint.
step 03
Begin to develop the figures, paying attention to anatomy and light and shadow.
step 04
Work on the background details, including the cityscape and sky.
step 05
Refine the details of the figures, such as facial features and clothing.
step 06
Add highlights and shadows to create depth and dimension.
step 07
Glaze over areas to unify the colors and create a sense of atmosphere.
step 08
Add final details and adjustments as needed.

color palette

primary · ochre · raw umber · titanium white · cadmium red

secondary · ultramarine blue · burnt sienna · ivory black

Mix various shades of skin tones using ochre, raw umber, cadmium red, and titanium white. Achieve atmospheric perspective by adding blue to distant elements.

techniques

·figure drawing
·glazing
·chiaroscuro
·atmospheric perspective
·drapery rendering

common pitfalls

→Incorrect proportions of figures
→Muddy or unrealistic skin tones
→Lack of depth and dimension
→Overworking details

materials

surface · stretched canvas

required

·Stretched canvas (24x36 inches)
·Oil paints (ochre, raw umber, titanium white, cadmium red, ultramarine blue, burnt sienna, ivory black)
·Palette
·Assorted brushes (round, flat, filbert)
·Linseed oil
·Turpentine or odorless mineral spirits
·Palette knife
·Rags