plate no. 5386

The Incredulity of Saint Thomas

oilBaroquereligious paintingfiguresreligious sceneinteriormendraperyflag

experienced study

Recreating this painting will help students develop skills in figure drawing, rendering skin tones, and creating depth through atmospheric perspective and value control.

technical profile

palette complexity

brushwork visibility

value contrast

compositional simplicity

study guide

est. 25 hrs

approach — 8 steps

step 01
Create a preliminary sketch to establish the composition and proportions of the figures.
step 02
Block in the main shapes and values using thin washes of color.
step 03
Begin to develop the figures, focusing on accurate anatomy and realistic skin tones.
step 04
Layer and blend colors to create smooth transitions and subtle variations in light and shadow.
step 05
Pay attention to the drapery, using highlights and shadows to create a sense of volume and texture.
step 06
Develop the background, using darker values and less detail to create depth.
step 07
Add details such as facial features, hands, and the flag.
step 08
Refine the painting, making adjustments to values, colors, and details as needed.

color palette

primary · raw umber · burnt sienna · ivory black · titanium white

secondary · yellow ochre · cadmium red light · ultramarine blue

Mix various shades of brown and gray by combining raw umber, burnt sienna, ivory black, and titanium white. Use yellow ochre and cadmium red light to create warm skin tones, and ultramarine blue to cool down shadows.

techniques

·underpainting
·glazing
·scumbling
·chiaroscuro
·figure drawing

common pitfalls

→Getting the proportions of the figures wrong.
→Overworking the painting and losing the freshness of the initial washes.
→Failing to create a sense of depth and atmosphere.
→Inaccurate skin tones.

materials

surface · stretched canvas

required

·Stretched canvas (18x24 inches)
·Oil paints (raw umber, burnt sienna, ivory black, titanium white, yellow ochre, cadmium red light, ultramarine blue)
·Turpentine or odorless mineral spirits
·Linseed oil
·Assorted brushes (round, flat, filbert)
·Palette
·Palette knife