plate no. 7819

The Incredulity of Saint Thomas

oilBaroquereligious paintingfiguresreligious scenedraperytableinterior

experienced study

Recreating this painting will help students develop skills in figure drawing, anatomy, and chiaroscuro. It also provides practice in rendering realistic skin tones and drapery.

technical profile

palette complexity

brushwork visibility

value contrast

compositional simplicity

study guide

est. 25 hrs

approach — 8 steps

step 01
Create a preliminary sketch outlining the main figures and composition.
step 02
Establish the dark background using burnt umber and black.
step 03
Block in the main light areas on the figures with a mix of white, yellow ochre, and a touch of red.
step 04
Develop the mid-tones and shadows on the figures, paying attention to the anatomy and form.
step 05
Add details to the faces, hands, and drapery.
step 06
Refine the highlights and shadows to create a sense of depth and realism.
step 07
Paint the table and other background elements.
step 08
Add final glazes to unify the painting and enhance the colors.

color palette

primary · burnt umber · titanium white · yellow ochre

secondary · cadmium red · ultramarine blue

Achieve skin tones by mixing white, yellow ochre, and a touch of red. Use burnt umber and black for shadows. Add small amounts of blue to darken shadows.

techniques