plate no. 8779
Adoration of the Magi
Fra Angelico, 1442
fresco, wallEarly Renaissancereligious paintingfiguresreligious scenelandscapearchitectureadorationMagi
experienced study
Recreating this painting will help students develop skills in figure drawing, drapery rendering, and creating a sense of depth through atmospheric perspective. It also provides practice in color mixing to achieve subtle variations in skin tones and fabrics.
technical profile
palette complexity
3
brushwork visibility
2
value contrast
3
compositional simplicity
2
study guide
est. 20 hrsapproach — 8 steps
- step 01
Lightly sketch the overall composition, paying attention to the placement of figures and architectural elements.
- step 02
Establish the basic values and shapes of the background landscape.
- step 03
Block in the main colors of the figures' clothing and skin tones, using thin washes.
- step 04
Develop the drapery folds and details of the clothing, adding highlights and shadows.
- step 05
Refine the facial features and expressions of the figures.
- step 06
Add details to the architectural elements and any other objects in the scene.
- step 07
Glaze over areas to unify the colors and create a sense of atmosphere.
- step 08
Add final highlights and details to complete the painting.
color palette
primary · raw umber · yellow ochre · venetian red
secondary · ultramarine blue · ivory black · titanium white
Achieve the muted tones by mixing earth pigments with white and small amounts of blue or red. Use thin washes to build up color gradually.
techniques
- ·underpainting
- ·glazing
- ·figure drawing
- ·drapery study
- ·atmospheric perspective
common pitfalls
- →Overworking details too early
- →Using colors that are too saturated
- →Incorrect proportions of figures
- →Ignoring the overall value structure
materials
surface · stretched canvas
required
- ·stretched canvas
- ·raw umber oil paint
- ·yellow ochre oil paint
- ·venetian red oil paint
- ·ultramarine blue oil paint
- ·ivory black oil paint
- ·titanium white oil paint
- ·assorted brushes (round and flat)
optional
- ·palette knife
- ·linseed oil
- ·damar varnish
- ·medium gloss
Use a smooth canvas to facilitate blending and glazing. Consider using a toned ground to help establish the overall value structure.
tips & new artworks in your inbox
no spam — unsubscribe anytime.
or to save artworks, chat, and track progress
related guides
in this vein
related artworks
Madonna Enthroned with Saints
Filippo Lippi
Christ the Judge (detali)
Fra Angelico
The Dead Christ Supported by an Angel
Antonello da Messina
St. Michael and St. John
Álvaro Pires de Évora
Penitent St. Jerome
Fra Angelico
The Madonna and Child with the Infant Saint John the Baptist
Sandro Botticelli
Coronation of the Virgin (detail)
Filippo Lippi
Adoration of the Child
Filippino Lippi