plate no. 9087

The Raising of Lazarus

oilBaroquereligious paintingfiguresreligious scenetombdarknesslightdrapery

experienced study

Recreating this painting will help students develop skills in dramatic lighting (chiaroscuro) and rendering complex drapery folds. It also provides practice in creating a focal point through light and composition.

technical profile

palette complexity

brushwork visibility

value contrast

compositional simplicity

study guide

est. 20 hrs

approach — 8 steps

step 01
Begin with a light sketch to establish the basic composition and placement of figures.
step 02
Block in the large areas of dark background using a thin wash of dark brown or black.
step 03
Establish the main light source and begin to build up the highlights on the figures, especially Lazarus and Christ.
step 04
Focus on rendering the drapery, paying attention to how the light falls and creates folds and shadows.
step 05
Gradually build up the details in the faces and hands, using subtle variations in tone and color.
step 06
Add the details of the tomb and surrounding vegetation, keeping them dark and subdued.
step 07
Refine the edges and add final highlights to create a sense of depth and realism.
step 08
Glaze with thin layers of color to unify the painting and enhance the overall mood.

color palette

primary · ivory black · raw umber · titanium white · yellow ochre

secondary · burnt sienna · ultramarine blue

Achieve the dark tones by mixing ivory black and raw umber. Use titanium white and yellow ochre for highlights, and add small amounts of burnt sienna or ultramarine blue to create subtle variations in color.

techniques

·chiaroscuro
·glazing
·scumbling
·dry brushing
·drapery rendering

common pitfalls

→Failing to establish a strong light source.
→Overworking the details too early in the process.
→Making the dark areas too flat and lifeless.
→Not paying enough attention to the subtle variations in tone and color.

materials

surface · stretched canvas

required

·stretched canvas (18x24 inches)
·oil paints (ivory black, raw umber, titanium white, yellow ochre, burnt sienna, ultramarine blue)
·linseed oil
·turpentine or odorless mineral spirits
·palette
·assorted brushes (round and flat)
·palette knife