plate no. 7690

Annunciation

oilTenebrismreligious paintingfigurescandletablebookdraperyreligious

some experience helpful

Recreating this painting will help students understand dramatic lighting and how to create form using value. It also provides practice in rendering fabric and skin tones under strong light.

technical profile

palette complexity

brushwork visibility

value contrast

compositional simplicity

study guide

est. 20 hrs

approach — 8 steps

step 01
Sketch the basic composition, focusing on the placement of the figures and the table.
step 02
Establish the darkest areas of the background with a dark, neutral color.
step 03
Block in the main shapes of the figures, paying attention to the light source (the candle).
step 04
Begin layering in the mid-tones and highlights on the faces and clothing, using thin glazes.
step 05
Refine the details of the faces, hands, and book, focusing on the subtle shifts in value.
step 06
Add the details of the candle flame and the light it casts on the surrounding objects.
step 07
Adjust the values and colors throughout the painting to create a sense of depth and atmosphere.
step 08
Add final details and highlights to complete the painting.

color palette

primary · burnt umber · raw sienna · titanium white · cadmium red

secondary · ultramarine blue · yellow ochre · ivory black

Mix various shades of brown and yellow by combining burnt umber, raw sienna, and yellow ochre. Use white to create highlights and black to deepen shadows. Mix red and white for the red clothing.

techniques