plate no. 3565
Birth and Naming St. John (detail)
Filippo Lippi, 1465
some experience helpful
Recreating this painting will help students practice figure drawing, drapery studies, and creating a sense of depth through atmospheric perspective and subtle color variations. It also provides experience in rendering architectural elements.
technical profile
palette complexity
3
brushwork visibility
2
value contrast
3
compositional simplicity
3
study guide
est. 15 hrsapproach — 8 steps
- step 01
Lightly sketch the basic composition, focusing on the placement and proportions of the figures and architectural elements.
- step 02
Establish the main light source and map out the areas of light and shadow.
- step 03
Begin blocking in the large areas of color, starting with the background and then moving to the figures.
- step 04
Gradually build up the details of the figures, paying attention to the folds of the drapery and the facial features.
- step 05
Refine the architectural elements, adding details such as the columns and the floor.
- step 06
Use thin glazes to create subtle color variations and atmospheric perspective.
- step 07
Add final highlights and shadows to enhance the sense of depth and realism.
- step 08
Carefully replicate the aged, cracked texture of the fresco.
color palette
primary · raw umber · burnt sienna · titanium white
secondary · yellow ochre · payne's gray · cadmium red light
Achieve the muted tones by mixing earth pigments with white and small amounts of red or blue. Use thin glazes to create subtle color variations.
techniques
- ·glazing
- ·atmospheric perspective
- ·figure drawing
- ·drapery study
- ·grisaille underpainting
common pitfalls
- →Overworking the details too early.
- →Using colors that are too saturated.
- →Failing to establish a clear light source.
- →Incorrect proportions of the figures.
- →Ignoring the aged texture of the original fresco.
materials
surface · Stretched canvas
required
- ·Stretched canvas
- ·Acrylic gesso
- ·Raw umber oil paint
- ·Burnt sienna oil paint
- ·Titanium white oil paint
- ·Round brushes (sizes 2, 4, 6)
- ·Palette
- ·Odorless mineral spirits
optional
- ·Palette knife
- ·Retouch varnish
- ·Medium (linseed oil or alkyd)
Use a canvas with a smooth surface to better replicate the fresco look. Consider toning the canvas with a thin wash of raw umber before starting.
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