plate no. 1468

Coronation of San José

oilBaroquereligious paintingfiguresreligious scenecloudscrossrobesangels

some experience helpful

This painting offers a good opportunity to practice figure painting and rendering drapery with light and shadow. Students can also learn to create a sense of depth using atmospheric perspective in the background.

technical profile

palette complexity

brushwork visibility

value contrast

compositional simplicity

study guide

est. 15 hrs

approach — 8 steps

step 01
Sketch the basic composition, focusing on the placement and proportions of the figures and the cross.
step 02
Establish the background by layering thin washes of warm and cool tones to create the cloud effect.
step 03
Block in the main shapes of the figures with simplified color masses, paying attention to the overall value structure.
step 04
Begin refining the details of the faces, hands, and drapery, using subtle color variations to create form.
step 05
Add highlights and shadows to enhance the three-dimensionality of the figures and the cross.
step 06
Paint the details of the crown of flowers, angels and dove, using small brushes.
step 07
Glaze the painting with thin layers of color to unify the composition and create a sense of atmosphere.
step 08
Add final details and adjust values as needed to complete the painting.

color palette

primary · red ochre · raw umber · titanium white

secondary · yellow ochre · ivory black · ultramarine blue

Achieve the warm flesh tones by mixing red ochre, raw umber, and titanium white. Create the cloud effect by layering thin washes of titanium white with small amounts of raw umber and ultramarine blue.

techniques

·glazing
·scumbling
·chiaroscuro
·atmospheric perspective
·figure drawing

common pitfalls

→Overworking the details too early in the process.
→Failing to establish a strong value structure.
→Using colors that are too saturated.
→Ignoring the importance of edges and transitions.

materials

surface · stretched canvas

required

·Stretched canvas 18x24
·Oil paints (red ochre, raw umber, titanium white, yellow ochre, ivory black, ultramarine blue)
·Round brushes (sizes 2, 4, 6)
·Flat brushes (sizes 4, 8)
·Palette
·Linseed oil
·Odorless mineral spirits
·Palette knife