plate no. 6485
The Ghent Altarpiece, The Virgin Mary
Jan van Eyck, 1429
experienced study
Recreating this painting would help students develop skills in rendering realistic fabric folds and capturing subtle variations in skin tones. It also provides practice in painting intricate details like jewelry and decorative patterns.
technical profile
palette complexity
4
brushwork visibility
2
value contrast
3
compositional simplicity
3
study guide
est. 30 hrsapproach — 8 steps
- step 01
Prepare the surface with a smooth gesso layer.
- step 02
Create a detailed sketch of the figure, focusing on proportions and drapery.
- step 03
Block in the main areas of color: the robe, skin tones, background, and book.
- step 04
Begin layering the robe, building up depth and shadow with thin glazes.
- step 05
Refine the skin tones, paying attention to subtle highlights and shadows.
- step 06
Paint the background pattern, using a small brush for detail.
- step 07
Add details such as the crown, jewelry, and book embellishments.
- step 08
Apply a final glaze to unify the painting and enhance the colors.
color palette
primary · ultramarine blue · ivory black · titanium white · yellow ochre
secondary · cadmium red · viridian green · gold
Achieve the deep blue of the robe by mixing ultramarine blue and ivory black, then glazing with ultramarine. Create skin tones by mixing titanium white, yellow ochre, and a touch of cadmium red.
techniques
- ·glazing
- ·scumbling
- ·underpainting
- ·rendering fabric
- ·portraiture
common pitfalls
- →Overworking the details too early in the process.
- →Failing to create a strong value structure before adding color.
- →Using colors that are too saturated, resulting in a garish appearance.
- →Inaccurately rendering the folds of the drapery, making it look flat.
materials
surface · stretched canvas
required
- ·stretched canvas
- ·gesso
- ·ultramarine blue oil paint
- ·ivory black oil paint
- ·titanium white oil paint
- ·yellow ochre oil paint
- ·small round brushes
- ·medium flat brushes
optional
- ·palette knife
- ·linseed oil
- ·damar varnish
- ·retouch varnish
Use high-quality oil paints for best results. Allow each layer to dry thoroughly before applying the next.
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