plate no. 0663

Coronation of Mary (detail)

oilMannerism (Late Renaissance)religious paintingfiguresreligious scenerobesbookcloudsangels

experienced study

Recreating this painting will help students develop skills in portraiture, drapery painting, and creating atmospheric perspective. It also provides practice in rendering complex compositions with multiple figures.

technical profile

palette complexity

brushwork visibility

value contrast

compositional simplicity

study guide

est. 30 hrs

approach — 8 steps

step 01
Lightly sketch the main figures and their positions, paying attention to proportions and relationships.
step 02
Establish the basic background tones, focusing on the cloud formations and overall atmosphere.
step 03
Block in the main colors of the robes and skin tones, using thin washes of paint.
step 04
Begin to build up the form of the figures by adding layers of highlights and shadows.
step 05
Refine the details of the faces, hands, and clothing, paying attention to subtle variations in color and tone.
step 06
Add the details of the book and other objects, ensuring they are accurately rendered.
step 07
Glaze thin layers of color to unify the painting and create a sense of depth.
step 08
Add final highlights and details to complete the painting.

color palette

primary · red ochre · ivory black · titanium white · raw umber

secondary · yellow ochre · ultramarine blue · burnt sienna

Mix skin tones by blending white, red ochre, and a touch of raw umber. Create the robe colors by mixing red ochre with varying amounts of black and white. Use ultramarine blue to neutralize the red and create shadows.

techniques

·glazing
·scumbling
·chiaroscuro
·underpainting
·blending

common pitfalls

→Getting the proportions of the figures wrong.
→Overworking the painting and losing the freshness of the initial layers.
→Failing to create a convincing sense of depth and atmosphere.
→Using colors that are too bright or saturated.

materials

surface · stretched canvas

required

·Stretched canvas (18x24 inches)
·Oil paints (red ochre, ivory black, titanium white, raw umber, yellow ochre, ultramarine blue, burnt sienna)
·Linseed oil
·Odorless mineral spirits
·Assorted brushes (round and flat)
·Palette
·Palette knife
·Rags