plate no. 5436
The Light of the World
William Holman Hunt, 1851
experienced study
Recreating this painting will help students develop skills in rendering light and shadow on a figure, as well as creating depth using atmospheric perspective in a landscape. It also provides practice in painting intricate details, such as the lantern and the figure's clothing.
technical profile
palette complexity
4
brushwork visibility
3
value contrast
4
compositional simplicity
3
study guide
est. 30 hrsapproach — 8 steps
- step 01
Sketch the basic composition, focusing on the placement of the figure, lantern, and surrounding elements.
- step 02
Establish the overall value structure with a thin wash of burnt umber, paying attention to the areas of light and shadow.
- step 03
Begin blocking in the main colors of the figure's robe, the lantern, and the background foliage.
- step 04
Develop the details of the figure's face, hair, and clothing, using small brushes and careful observation.
- step 05
Refine the light and shadow on the figure, using glazes and scumbles to create subtle transitions.
- step 06
Add details to the lantern, including the intricate patterns and the glow of the light.
- step 07
Paint the background foliage, using a variety of greens and browns to create depth and texture.
- step 08
Add final details, such as the leaves, branches, and ground cover.
color palette
primary · yellow ochre · burnt umber · ivory black
secondary · cadmium red · sap green · titanium white
Achieve the subtle variations in skin tone by mixing yellow ochre, burnt umber, and titanium white. Create the glow of the lantern by layering yellows and oranges over a dark base.
techniques
- ·glazing
- ·scumbling
- ·chiaroscuro
- ·atmospheric perspective
- ·rendering details
common pitfalls
- →Overworking the details too early in the process.
- →Failing to establish a strong value structure.
- →Using colors that are too saturated.
- →Ignoring the subtle variations in light and shadow.
materials
surface · stretched canvas
required
- ·stretched canvas
- ·oil paints (yellow ochre, burnt umber, ivory black, cadmium red, sap green, titanium white)
- ·linseed oil
- ·turpentine
- ·assorted brushes (round and flat)
- ·palette
- ·palette knife
- ·rags
optional
- ·retouch varnish
- ·painting medium
Use high-quality oil paints for best results. Consider using a medium to thin the paints and speed up drying time.
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