plate no. 9945

The Prodigal Son

oilImpressionismreligious paintingfiguresinteriordoorwayreligious scenerobebeard

some experience helpful

Recreating this painting will help students develop skills in depicting figures in dynamic poses and using broken color to create a sense of light and atmosphere. It also provides practice in rendering textures and details with visible brushstrokes.

technical profile

palette complexity

brushwork visibility

value contrast

compositional simplicity

study guide

est. 15 hrs

approach — 8 steps

step 01
Sketch the basic composition, paying attention to the placement of the figures and the doorway.
step 02
Establish the main areas of light and shadow with thin washes of color.
step 03
Begin building up the forms of the figures with thicker paint, focusing on capturing the gestures and expressions.
step 04
Develop the background and details, using broken color and visible brushstrokes to create texture and interest.
step 05
Refine the values and colors, paying attention to the overall harmony of the painting.
step 06
Add final highlights and details to bring the painting to life.
step 07
Check the overall balance and composition, making any necessary adjustments.
step 08
Allow the painting to dry completely before varnishing.

color palette

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

secondary · ultramarine blue · raw sienna · ivory black

Mix various shades of brown and ochre by combining burnt umber, yellow ochre, and white. Use small amounts of red and blue to create subtle variations in the skin tones and shadows.

techniques