plate no. 0901
The Temptation of St Anthony (detail)
Hieronymus Bosch, 1515
experienced study
Recreating this painting will help students develop skills in layering colors to create depth and texture, as well as understanding complex compositions with multiple focal points. It will also improve their ability to render realistic figures and landscapes.
technical profile
palette complexity
3
brushwork visibility
3
value contrast
3
compositional simplicity
2
study guide
est. 25 hrsapproach — 8 steps
- step 01
Begin with a light sketch outlining the main shapes and composition.
- step 02
Establish the background landscape with broad washes of color.
- step 03
Block in the main figure of St. Anthony and the surrounding tree.
- step 04
Add details to the background elements like the buildings and other figures.
- step 05
Develop the textures of the trees and foliage using layering and dry brushing.
- step 06
Refine the details of St. Anthony's face and clothing.
- step 07
Add highlights and shadows to create depth and dimension.
- step 08
Finish with any final details and adjustments.
color palette
primary · yellow ochre · raw umber · sap green
secondary · ultramarine blue · titanium white · burnt sienna
Achieve the muted greens by mixing yellow ochre and ultramarine blue with varying amounts of white. Use raw umber and burnt sienna to create the earthy tones of the trees and ground.
techniques
- ·layering
- ·glazing
- ·dry brushing
- ·scumbling
- ·underpainting
common pitfalls
- →Getting lost in the details too early.
- →Overworking the colors and losing the luminosity.
- →Failing to establish a strong value structure.
- →Not paying attention to the subtle color variations in the landscape.
materials
surface · stretched canvas
required
- ·stretched canvas
- ·oil paints
- ·linseed oil
- ·turpentine
- ·assorted brushes (round and flat)
- ·palette
- ·palette knife
- ·rags
optional
- ·medium gloss
- ·retouch varnish
- ·easel
Use high-quality oil paints for best results. Consider using a toned canvas to create a warmer base.
tips & new artworks in your inbox
no spam — unsubscribe anytime.
or to save artworks, chat, and track progress
in this vein
related artworks
Aristotle
Justus van Gent
The Man of Sorrows with the Virgin Mary and St. John the Evangelist
Martin Schongauer
The pride of the beggar sitting on the train of haughtiness
Albrecht Altdorfer
Adoration of the Magi
Quentin Matsys
Christ on the Cross
Albrecht Altdorfer
Frühling - Das Bereiten Der Blumenbeete
Pieter Brueghel the Younger
Group of Men
Rogier van der Weyden
Madonna and Child Holding a Pear
Bernard Van Orley