plate no. 7096

The Transfiguration of Christ

oil, panelNorthern Renaissancereligious paintingfigurescloudslandscapereligious scenetriptychportraits

experienced study

Recreating this painting will help students develop skills in figure drawing, drapery rendering, and atmospheric perspective. It also provides practice in creating a complex composition with multiple focal points.

technical profile

palette complexity

brushwork visibility

value contrast

compositional simplicity

study guide

est. 30 hrs

approach — 8 steps

step 01
Begin with a light sketch to establish the overall composition and placement of figures.
step 02
Block in the main shapes and colors of the landscape and figures.
step 03
Develop the values and details of the figures, paying attention to the folds of the drapery.
step 04
Paint the clouds, using soft blending techniques to create a sense of atmosphere.
step 05
Add the details of the background landscape, using atmospheric perspective to create depth.
step 06
Refine the details of the faces and hands.
step 07
Add highlights and shadows to create form and dimension.
step 08
Glaze with thin layers of color to unify the painting and create depth.

color palette

primary · ivory black · titanium white · burnt sienna · yellow ochre

secondary · ultramarine blue · cadmium red light · raw umber · gold

Mix various shades of gray and brown by combining ivory black, titanium white, burnt sienna, and raw umber. Use yellow ochre and cadmium red light for the flesh tones, and ultramarine blue to create atmospheric effects in the sky and distant landscape.

techniques