plate no. 6053

The Slavonic Cock Crow

Werner Berg, 1947

oilExpressionismgenre paintingfigurecrucifixionroostermantreesfoliage

experienced study

Recreating this painting will help students develop skills in layering colors to create depth and texture, as well as understanding how to represent complex scenes with multiple focal points.

technical profile

palette complexity

brushwork visibility

value contrast

compositional simplicity

study guide

est. 15 hrs

approach — 7 steps

step 01
Begin with a light sketch outlining the main figures and compositional elements.
step 02
Establish the background colors, focusing on the sky and tree branches.
step 03
Block in the main colors of the figures (Christ, the man, and the rooster), paying attention to the overall color harmony.
step 04
Start layering colors to build form and volume in each figure, using short, visible brushstrokes.
step 05
Add details to the faces and other focal points, refining the shapes and adding highlights and shadows.
step 06
Develop the foliage and other surrounding elements, using a variety of colors and textures.
step 07
Refine the overall composition, adjusting colors and values as needed to create a cohesive and expressive image.

color palette

primary · ultramarine blue · cadmium red · yellow ochre · titanium white

secondary · viridian green · alizarin crimson · purple

Mix various shades of pink and purple by combining red, blue, and white. Achieve earthy tones by blending yellow ochre with red, blue, and white. Use viridian green with white and yellow to create the foliage.

techniques