plate no. 8843
Two Legends of St. Nicholas
Gerard David, 1510
experienced study
Recreating this painting will help students develop skills in rendering realistic skin tones and drapery, as well as understanding complex compositions with multiple figures.
technical profile
palette complexity
4
brushwork visibility
2
value contrast
3
compositional simplicity
3
study guide
est. 30 hrsapproach — 8 steps
- step 01
Begin with a light sketch of the overall composition, paying attention to the placement of figures and architectural elements.
- step 02
Establish the background with thin washes of color, focusing on the light and shadow patterns.
- step 03
Block in the main shapes of the figures, using a limited palette of skin tones.
- step 04
Develop the drapery of the bishop's robes, carefully observing the folds and textures.
- step 05
Add details to the faces, hands, and feet of the figures, using small brushes and precise strokes.
- step 06
Render the architectural details, such as the window and floor tiles, with accuracy.
- step 07
Glaze the painting with thin layers of color to unify the composition and enhance the depth.
- step 08
Add final highlights and shadows to create a sense of realism.
color palette
primary · ivory black · raw umber · yellow ochre · titanium white
secondary · cadmium red · alizarin crimson · ultramarine blue
Mix skin tones by blending white, yellow ochre, and small amounts of red and brown. Achieve the robe colors by mixing reds, browns, and golds.
techniques
- ·glazing
- ·scumbling
- ·underpainting
- ·rendering
- ·portraiture
common pitfalls
- →Overworking the details too early in the process.
- →Failing to establish a strong value structure.
- →Inaccurate proportions of the figures.
- →Uneven application of glazes.
materials
surface · stretched canvas
required
- ·stretched canvas
- ·oil paints
- ·linseed oil
- ·turpentine
- ·assorted brushes (small round, filbert)
- ·palette
- ·palette knife
- ·rags
optional
- ·medium gloss
- ·retouch varnish
- ·easel
Use high-quality oil paints for best results. Consider using a toned canvas to speed up the underpainting process.
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