plate no. 6142

The Seven Sacraments - Confirmation

Giuseppe Maria Crespi, 1712

oil, canvasBaroquereligious paintingfiguresreligious scenechildrenbishopceremony

study guide

est. 25 hrs

approach — 8 steps

step 01
Begin with a light sketch outlining the main figures and their positions.
step 02
Establish the overall composition and proportions of the figures.
step 03
Block in the main areas of color using thin washes of paint.
step 04
Start building up the values, focusing on the light and shadow patterns.
step 05
Develop the details of the faces and clothing, paying attention to the folds and textures.
step 06
Refine the edges and contours of the figures to create a sense of depth.
step 07
Add highlights and shadows to create a sense of volume and form.
step 08
Finish by adding any final details and adjusting the overall color balance.

color palette

primary · burnt umber · raw sienna · ivory black · titanium white

secondary · cadmium red light · yellow ochre

Achieve the warm, muted tones by mixing burnt umber and raw sienna with varying amounts of white. Use small amounts of cadmium red and yellow ochre to add warmth to the skin tones and fabrics.

techniques

·grisaille underpainting
·glazing
·scumbling
·chiaroscuro
·figure drawing

common pitfalls

→Overworking the details too early in the process.
→Failing to establish a strong value structure.
→Using colors that are too saturated or bright.
→Ignoring the subtle variations in skin tone and fabric texture.

materials

surface · stretched canvas

required

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