plate no. 8001
Annunciation
Ambrogio Lorenzetti, 1344
study guide
est. 20 hrsapproach — 8 steps
- step 01
Prepare a canvas with a warm, golden ground.
- step 02
Lightly sketch the main figures and architectural elements, paying attention to proportions.
- step 03
Block in the main colors of the figures' robes and skin tones.
- step 04
Add shadows and highlights to create volume in the figures and drapery.
- step 05
Paint the details of the faces, hands, and other features.
- step 06
Add the gold leaf or imitation gold to the background and decorative elements.
- step 07
Paint the tiled floor, paying attention to perspective.
- step 08
Add final details and refine the painting.
color palette
primary · gold · rose madder · ultramarine blue · ivory black
secondary · burnt umber · yellow ochre · cadmium red light
Mix rose madder and white for the angel's robe. Use ultramarine blue and black for Mary's robe. Achieve the gold effect with metallic paint or gold leaf.
techniques
- ·glazing
- ·dry brushing
- ·underpainting
- ·gold leaf application
- ·linear perspective
common pitfalls
- →Incorrect proportions of the figures.
- →Overworking the details before establishing the overall composition.
- →Uneven application of gold leaf.
- →Inaccurate perspective in the tiled floor.
materials
surface · stretched canvas
required
- ·Stretched canvas
- ·Gesso
- ·Acrylic gold paint or gold leaf
- ·Rose madder oil paint
- ·Ultramarine blue oil paint
- ·Ivory black oil paint
- ·Round brushes (various sizes)
- ·Palette knife
optional
- ·Retarder medium
- ·Linseed oil
- ·Varnish
Consider using a toned canvas for a warmer base. Practice gold leaf application on scrap paper before applying to the painting.
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