plate no. 5914
The Departure of the Apostles to Preach the Gospel
Charles Gleyre, 1845
experienced study
Recreating this painting will help students develop skills in figure drawing, drapery painting, and creating atmospheric perspective. It also provides practice in rendering subtle skin tones and creating a harmonious color palette.
technical profile
palette complexity
3
brushwork visibility
3
value contrast
3
compositional simplicity
2
study guide
est. 20 hrsapproach — 8 steps
- step 01
Lightly sketch the overall composition, paying attention to the placement and proportions of the figures and the cross.
- step 02
Block in the main shapes and colors of the background, including the sky and distant city.
- step 03
Begin to define the figures by blocking in their basic forms and drapery.
- step 04
Start adding details to the faces and hands of the figures, paying attention to the light and shadow.
- step 05
Refine the drapery, adding folds and highlights to create a sense of volume.
- step 06
Add details to the cross and the surrounding landscape.
- step 07
Glaze layers of color to unify the painting and create a sense of depth.
- step 08
Add final highlights and details to complete the painting.
color palette
primary · raw umber · titanium white · yellow ochre · burnt sienna
secondary · ultramarine blue · cadmium red light · ivory black
Mix various shades of browns and tans by combining raw umber, burnt sienna, yellow ochre, and white. Use ultramarine blue and white to create the sky, and add small amounts of red or yellow to adjust the hue. Mix skin tones using yellow ochre, cadmium red light, and white, adjusting the proportions to create different complexions.
techniques
- ·figure drawing
- ·drapery painting
- ·atmospheric perspective
- ·glazing
- ·chiaroscuro
common pitfalls
- →Incorrect proportions of the figures.
- →Overly bright or saturated colors.
- →Lack of depth and atmospheric perspective.
- →Poor blending of skin tones.
materials
surface · stretched canvas
required
- ·Stretched canvas (18x24 inches)
- ·Oil paints (raw umber, titanium white, yellow ochre, burnt sienna, ultramarine blue, cadmium red light, ivory black)
- ·Assorted brushes (round and flat)
- ·Palette
- ·Palette knife
- ·Linseed oil
- ·Odorless mineral spirits
- ·Rags
optional
- ·Retouch varnish
- ·Medium (e.g., Liquin)
Use high-quality oil paints for best results. A medium-grit canvas will provide a good surface for blending and layering.
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