plate no. 8950

The Incredulity of Thomas

oilNorthern Renaissancereligious paintingfiguresreligious scenearchitecturedraperymeninterior

experienced study

Recreating this painting will help students develop skills in figure drawing, drapery rendering, and creating a sense of depth through atmospheric perspective. It also provides practice in mixing realistic skin tones and capturing complex emotions.

technical profile

palette complexity

brushwork visibility

value contrast

compositional simplicity

study guide

est. 30 hrs

approach — 8 steps

step 01
Begin with a light sketch outlining the main figures and architectural elements, paying attention to proportions and perspective.
step 02
Establish the basic values with a thin wash of burnt umber or a similar earth tone.
step 03
Start blocking in the main colors of the drapery, skin tones, and background, focusing on the overall color harmony.
step 04
Develop the figures individually, refining the shapes, adding details, and building up the highlights and shadows.
step 05
Pay close attention to the folds and textures of the drapery, using a variety of brushstrokes to create visual interest.
step 06
Work on the architectural details, adding depth and dimension to the columns and arches.
step 07
Refine the facial expressions and gestures of the figures to convey the narrative of the scene.
step 08
Add final highlights and details to create a sense of realism and luminosity.

color palette

primary · red ochre · raw umber · titanium white · ultramarine blue

secondary · yellow ochre · ivory black · cadmium red light · viridian

Achieve skin tones by mixing white, red ochre, and a touch of raw umber. Use ultramarine blue and burnt umber to create grays and shadows. Mix viridian with yellow ochre for muted greens.

techniques

·glazing
·scumbling
·chiaroscuro
·underpainting
·figure drawing

common pitfalls

→Incorrect proportions of figures
→Overly saturated colors
→Lack of depth and perspective
→Ignoring the subtle variations in skin tones

materials

surface · stretched canvas

required

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