apprentice
artistsserieslearnchatartworkscommunity gallery
apprentice

deliberate practice for serious artists

aboutgalleryprivacyterms
built by reducibl.com
home·artworks·Usury is a great evil
Usury is a great evil by Jacob Jordaens

plate no. 4789

Usury is a great evil

Jacob Jordaens, 1645

chalk, gouache, paperBaroquereligious paintingfiguresinteriorreligious scenefamilyarchitecturedog
experienced study

Recreating this painting will help students develop skills in figure drawing, drapery rendering, and creating a sense of depth through atmospheric perspective. Students will also learn about Baroque composition and the use of chiaroscuro.

technical profile

palette complexity
4
brushwork visibility
3
value contrast
4
compositional simplicity
2

study guide

est. 25 hrs

approach — 8 steps

  1. step 01

    Create a rough sketch outlining the main figures and architectural elements.

  2. step 02

    Establish the basic value structure using a limited palette of earth tones.

  3. step 03

    Begin layering in the local colors of the figures and drapery, focusing on accurate color mixing.

  4. step 04

    Refine the details of the faces and hands, paying attention to light and shadow.

  5. step 05

    Develop the textures of the fabrics and architectural elements using varied brushstrokes.

  6. step 06

    Add highlights and shadows to create a sense of depth and volume.

  7. step 07

    Glaze over areas to unify the colors and create a sense of atmosphere.

  8. step 08

    Add final details and adjust values as needed.

color palette

primary · burnt umber · raw sienna · ivory black · titanium white

secondary · cadmium red · yellow ochre · ultramarine blue

Mix various shades of browns and grays by combining burnt umber, raw sienna, ivory black, and titanium white. Use small amounts of cadmium red and yellow ochre to warm up the browns. Ultramarine blue can be used to cool down the grays and create shadows.

techniques

  • ·chiaroscuro
  • ·glazing
  • ·scumbling
  • ·figure drawing
  • ·drapery study

common pitfalls

  • →Overworking the details too early in the process.
  • →Failing to establish a strong value structure.
  • →Using colors that are too saturated.
  • →Ignoring the importance of atmospheric perspective.

materials

surface · stretched canvas

required

  • ·stretched canvas 18x24
  • ·burnt umber oil paint
  • ·raw sienna oil paint
  • ·ivory black oil paint
  • ·titanium white oil paint
  • ·cadmium red oil paint
  • ·round brushes (sizes 2, 4, 6)
  • ·linseed oil

optional

  • ·palette knife
  • ·medium gloss
  • ·ultramarine blue oil paint
  • ·yellow ochre oil paint

Use high-quality oil paints for best results. Consider using a toned canvas to establish a mid-tone value.

tips & new artworks in your inbox

no spam — unsubscribe anytime.

or to save artworks, chat, and track progress

related guides

how to draw →chiaroscuro →how to learn by studying the masters →
chat about this artwork

in this vein

related artworks

Girl with a Straw Hat

Girl with a Straw Hat

Judith Leyster

Gezicht Op De Laurenskerk Gezien Vanuit Noordoosten

Gezicht Op De Laurenskerk Gezien Vanuit Noordoosten

Abraham Storck

Bathsheba Bathing

Bathsheba Bathing

Francesco Solimena

Repentant Peter

Repentant Peter

Guido Reni

Itinerant Musicians

Itinerant Musicians

Jacob Ochtervelt

Marie Christine

Marie Christine

Marcello Bacciarelli

Santa Cecilia E Due Angeli

Santa Cecilia E Due Angeli

Giulio Cesare Procaccini

Scene from the Life of Saint Benedict

Scene from the Life of Saint Benedict

Philippe de Champaigne