plate no. 4727
Coronation of Mary
Ambrogio Bergognone, 1515
experienced study
Recreating this painting will help students develop skills in figure drawing, color mixing for skin tones, and creating a sense of depth through atmospheric perspective. It also provides practice in rendering drapery and complex compositions.
technical profile
palette complexity
4
brushwork visibility
3
value contrast
4
compositional simplicity
2
study guide
est. 30 hrsapproach — 8 steps
- step 01
Begin with a light sketch to map out the overall composition and placement of figures.
- step 02
Establish the background color with a thin wash of blue and green.
- step 03
Block in the main figures with basic shapes and colors, focusing on proportions.
- step 04
Start layering colors to define the figures and drapery, paying attention to light and shadow.
- step 05
Mix a range of skin tones and apply them to the faces and bodies of the figures.
- step 06
Add details to the faces, hair, and clothing, using smaller brushes.
- step 07
Create the rainbow effect by layering colors and blending them softly.
- step 08
Refine the details and add highlights to create a sense of depth and realism.
color palette
primary · ultramarine blue · cadmium red · yellow ochre · titanium white
secondary · viridian green · burnt umber · gold
Mix skin tones by combining yellow ochre, cadmium red, and titanium white. Use ultramarine blue and burnt umber to create darker shades and shadows.
techniques
- ·figure drawing
- ·color mixing
- ·glazing
- ·atmospheric perspective
- ·drapery rendering
common pitfalls
- →Getting the proportions of the figures wrong.
- →Overmixing colors and creating muddy tones.
- →Failing to create a sense of depth.
- →Getting lost in the details too early.
- →Not establishing a clear light source.
materials
surface · stretched canvas
required
- ·stretched canvas
- ·ultramarine blue oil paint
- ·cadmium red oil paint
- ·yellow ochre oil paint
- ·titanium white oil paint
- ·round brushes (various sizes)
- ·flat brushes (various sizes)
- ·palette
optional
- ·palette knife
- ·linseed oil
- ·turpentine
- ·medium gloss
Use high-quality oil paints for best results. Consider using a medium to thin the paints and improve blending.
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