plate no. 0701

The Entombment of Christ

oil, canvasBaroquereligious paintingfiguresreligious scenelandscapeskycrossesentombment

experienced study

Recreating this painting will help students develop skills in figure drawing, anatomical accuracy, and creating a somber mood through color and light. It also provides practice in rendering drapery and subtle skin tones.

technical profile

palette complexity

brushwork visibility

value contrast

compositional simplicity

study guide

est. 30 hrs

approach — 8 steps

step 01
Sketch the basic composition, focusing on the placement and proportions of the figures.
step 02
Block in the main areas of color, starting with the background and then the figures' clothing.
step 03
Begin to develop the values and forms of the figures, paying close attention to the light source.
step 04
Work on the drapery, creating folds and shadows to give it volume and texture.
step 05
Refine the details of the faces, hands, and feet, focusing on anatomical accuracy.
step 06
Add highlights and shadows to create a sense of depth and realism.
step 07
Blend and soften the edges of the forms to create a smooth, polished finish.
step 08
Add final details and adjust the colors and values as needed.

color palette

primary · yellow ochre · ultramarine blue · burnt umber · titanium white

secondary · cadmium red · ivory black · raw sienna

Achieve skin tones by mixing white, yellow ochre, and a touch of red. Create shadows with burnt umber and blue. Use white to lighten and blend colors.

techniques

·chiaroscuro
·glazing
·sfumato
·figure drawing
·drapery rendering

common pitfalls

→Getting the proportions of the figures wrong.
→Overworking the details and losing the overall sense of harmony.
→Using colors that are too bright or saturated.
→Failing to create a convincing sense of depth and atmosphere.

materials

surface · stretched canvas

required

·stretched canvas 24x30
·oil paints (yellow ochre, ultramarine blue, burnt umber, titanium white, cadmium red, ivory black, raw sienna)
·linseed oil
·turpentine
·palette
·assorted brushes (round and flat)
·palette knife
·rags