plate no. 0159

The Man of Sorrows

oil, panelMannerism (Late Renaissance)religious paintingfiguresangelscrown of thornsreligious scenecloudstorso

experienced study

Recreating this painting will help students develop skills in figure drawing, anatomical accuracy, and subtle color blending to create realistic skin tones. It also provides an opportunity to practice painting drapery and wings.

technical profile

palette complexity

brushwork visibility

value contrast

compositional simplicity

study guide

est. 30 hrs

approach — 8 steps

step 01
Create a preliminary sketch outlining the main figures and composition.
step 02
Block in the background with a thin layer of red and blend it smoothly.
step 03
Begin painting the figures, starting with the underpainting using earth tones.
step 04
Carefully build up the skin tones using layers of color, paying attention to highlights and shadows.
step 05
Paint the drapery and wings, focusing on the folds and textures.
step 06
Add the details of the crown of thorns and the blood.
step 07
Refine the overall composition and adjust the values as needed.
step 08
Add final highlights and details to complete the painting.

color palette

primary · titanium white · burnt umber · cadmium red · yellow ochre

secondary · ultramarine blue · ivory black · raw sienna

Achieve skin tones by mixing white, yellow ochre, burnt umber, and a touch of red. Use ultramarine blue and ivory black to create the darker shades in the drapery and shadows.

techniques