plate no. 7035
Transfiguration of Jesus
experienced study
Recreating this painting will help students develop skills in figure painting, particularly drapery, and atmospheric perspective. Students will also learn how to create a sense of light and luminosity through layering and glazing.
technical profile
palette complexity
4
brushwork visibility
3
value contrast
4
compositional simplicity
3
study guide
est. 20 hrsapproach — 8 steps
- step 01
Sketch the basic composition, focusing on the placement of the figures and the horizon line.
- step 02
Establish the main light source and block in the large areas of light and shadow.
- step 03
Begin layering colors, starting with the background and working forward.
- step 04
Develop the figures, paying close attention to anatomy and drapery.
- step 05
Refine the details of the landscape, adding texture and variation.
- step 06
Glaze thin layers of color to create depth and luminosity.
- step 07
Add highlights and shadows to enhance the sense of form.
- step 08
Make final adjustments to the composition and color balance.
color palette
primary · titanium white · ultramarine blue · yellow ochre · burnt umber
secondary · alizarin crimson · viridian green · raw sienna
Achieve the luminous quality by mixing white with small amounts of other colors, and layering thin glazes. Use ultramarine blue and white for the sky, and mix yellow ochre, burnt umber, and white for the figures' robes. Add alizarin crimson for skin tones.
techniques
- ·glazing
- ·layering
- ·atmospheric perspective
- ·figure drawing
- ·drapery study
common pitfalls
- →Overworking the details too early
- →Failing to establish a strong light source
- →Mixing muddy colors
- →Incorrect proportions of figures
materials
surface · stretched canvas
required
- ·stretched canvas
- ·titanium white oil paint
- ·ultramarine blue oil paint
- ·yellow ochre oil paint
- ·burnt umber oil paint
- ·#2 round brush
- ·#6 flat brush
- ·linseed oil
optional
- ·palette knife
- ·medium gloss
- ·retouch varnish
Use high-quality oil paints for best results. Consider using a toned canvas to speed up the painting process.
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