plate no. 2937

Calling of Saint Matthew

oil, canvasBaroquereligious paintingfigurestablewindowinteriorreligious scenelight

experienced study

Recreating this painting will help students understand chiaroscuro and dramatic lighting techniques, as well as figure drawing and composition in a complex scene.

technical profile

palette complexity

brushwork visibility

value contrast

compositional simplicity

study guide

est. 25 hrs

approach — 8 steps

step 01
Sketch the basic composition, focusing on the placement of figures and the table.
step 02
Establish the light source and map out the areas of light and shadow.
step 03
Block in the main colors of the background and figures, using thin washes.
step 04
Begin building up the values, working from dark to light.
step 05
Refine the details of the faces and clothing, paying attention to the folds and textures.
step 06
Add highlights to the areas of direct light, creating a sense of drama.
step 07
Glaze over the painting to unify the colors and deepen the shadows.
step 08
Add final details and adjust values as needed.

color palette

primary · raw umber · burnt sienna · ivory black

secondary · cadmium red · yellow ochre · titanium white

Mix dark browns by combining raw umber and ivory black. Use yellow ochre and titanium white to create highlights. Add small amounts of cadmium red to browns to create warmth in the figures' skin tones.

techniques