plate no. 1270
The Raising of Lazarus
Eduard von Gebhardt, 1896
experienced study
Recreating this painting will help students develop skills in figure drawing, drapery rendering, and creating atmospheric perspective. It also provides practice in capturing emotional expression through facial features and body language.
technical profile
palette complexity
4
brushwork visibility
3
value contrast
4
compositional simplicity
2
study guide
est. 40 hrsapproach — 8 steps
- step 01
Sketch the basic composition, focusing on the placement of the figures and the tomb.
- step 02
Establish the background with a dark, muted palette, suggesting the trees and sky.
- step 03
Block in the main figures, paying attention to their proportions and poses.
- step 04
Begin layering the drapery, using darker tones for shadows and lighter tones for highlights.
- step 05
Develop the facial features, focusing on capturing the expressions of each character.
- step 06
Refine the details of the tomb and the surrounding landscape.
- step 07
Add final highlights and shadows to create depth and dimension.
- step 08
Glaze with thin layers of color to unify the painting and enhance the atmosphere.
color palette
primary · raw umber · ivory black · titanium white · cadmium red
secondary · yellow ochre · ultramarine blue · burnt sienna
Achieve the muted tones by mixing complementary colors and adding white or black. Use thin glazes of color to create depth and luminosity.
techniques
- ·figure drawing
- ·drapery rendering
- ·glazing
- ·chiaroscuro
- ·atmospheric perspective
common pitfalls
- →Incorrect proportions of figures
- →Overworking details too early
- →Flat, lifeless colors
- →Ignoring the importance of light and shadow
materials
surface · stretched canvas
required
- ·stretched canvas
- ·raw umber oil paint
- ·ivory black oil paint
- ·titanium white oil paint
- ·cadmium red oil paint
- ·round brushes
- ·flat brushes
- ·linseed oil
optional
- ·palette knife
- ·medium gloss
- ·retouch varnish
Use high-quality oil paints for best results. Allow each layer to dry before applying the next.
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