apprentice
artistsserieslearnchatartworkscommunity gallery
apprentice

deliberate practice for serious artists

aboutgalleryprivacyterms
built by reducibl.com
home·artworks·The Fall and the Expulsion from Paradise
The Fall and the Expulsion from Paradise by Limbourg brothers

plate no. 3373

The Fall and the Expulsion from Paradise

Limbourg brothers

oilInternational Gothicillustrationfiguresarchitecturetreeslandscapewaterreligious
some experience helpful

Recreating this painting will help students develop skills in figure drawing, architectural rendering, and creating a sense of depth through layering and color variations. It also encourages careful observation of details and precise brushwork.

technical profile

palette complexity
3
brushwork visibility
2
value contrast
3
compositional simplicity
2

study guide

est. 20 hrs

approach — 8 steps

  1. step 01

    Lightly sketch the overall composition, including the circular boundary and major elements like the figures, architecture, and landscape.

  2. step 02

    Block in the basic shapes and colors of the figures, paying attention to proportions and anatomical details.

  3. step 03

    Establish the base colors for the architectural elements, using light washes to build up the intricate details.

  4. step 04

    Layer the landscape with varying shades of green and brown, creating depth by using lighter colors for distant areas.

  5. step 05

    Add details to the figures, such as facial features, hair, and clothing (where applicable).

  6. step 06

    Refine the architectural details, adding shadows and highlights to create a sense of volume.

  7. step 07

    Paint the water and sky, using soft washes of blue and white to create a sense of atmosphere.

  8. step 08

    Add final details and highlights to the entire painting, ensuring that all elements are cohesive and balanced.

color palette

primary · ultramarine blue · raw sienna · titanium white

secondary · vermilion · sap green · yellow ochre

Achieve skin tones by mixing raw sienna, titanium white, and a touch of vermilion. Create variations in the landscape by mixing sap green with yellow ochre and raw sienna.

techniques

  • ·layering
  • ·glazing
  • ·dry brushing
  • ·fine line detail
  • ·figure drawing

common pitfalls

  • →Overworking the details too early in the process.
  • →Inaccurate proportions in the figures.
  • →Flat, lifeless colors due to insufficient layering.
  • →Losing the overall composition by focusing too much on individual elements.

materials

surface · watercolor paper 140lb

required

  • ·watercolor paper 140lb
  • ·watercolor paints
  • ·round brushes (sizes 0, 2, 4)
  • ·fine liner brush
  • ·palette
  • ·water container
  • ·pencil
  • ·eraser

optional

  • ·ruler
  • ·magnifying glass
  • ·gouache

Using high-quality watercolor paper is essential for achieving the desired level of detail and preventing buckling. Consider using gouache for opaque highlights.

tips & new artworks in your inbox

no spam — unsubscribe anytime.

or to save artworks, chat, and track progress

related guides

oil painting for beginners →how to learn by studying the masters →
chat about this artwork

in this vein

related artworks

Calendar: January (Banquet Scene)

Calendar: January (Banquet Scene)

Limbourg brothers

Archangel Michael

Archangel Michael

Álvaro Pires de Évora

Christ as Man of Sorrow

Christ as Man of Sorrow

Stefan Lochner

Virgem Com O Menino

Virgem Com O Menino

Álvaro Pires de Évora

Petrarch's Virgil (title page)

Petrarch's Virgil (title page)

Simone Martini

David Imagines Christ Elevated Above All Other Beings

David Imagines Christ Elevated Above All Other Beings

Limbourg brothers

Heavenly Host

Heavenly Host

Limbourg brothers

Sts. Catherine, Hubert and Quirinus

Sts. Catherine, Hubert and Quirinus

Stefan Lochner