plate no. 2709
Giotto's childhood
some experience helpful
Recreating this painting will help students develop skills in figure painting, atmospheric perspective, and creating a sense of depth through color and value changes. It also provides practice in rendering textures like fabric, grass, and stone.
technical profile
palette complexity
4
brushwork visibility
3
value contrast
3
compositional simplicity
2
study guide
est. 20 hrsapproach — 8 steps
- step 01
Begin with a light sketch outlining the main figures, the sheep, and the basic landscape elements.
- step 02
Establish the horizon line and the general composition, paying attention to the placement of the figures and the sheep.
- step 03
Block in the sky with a thin wash of blue, gradually lightening it towards the horizon.
- step 04
Lay in the general colors of the landscape, using a mix of browns, greens, and yellows.
- step 05
Start building up the figures, focusing on the drapery and the facial features.
- step 06
Add the sheep, using small strokes to suggest their woolly texture.
- step 07
Refine the details of the architecture and the landscape, paying attention to the light and shadow.
- step 08
Add final highlights and details to bring the painting to life.
color palette
primary · burnt sienna · ultramarine blue · yellow ochre · titanium white
secondary · cadmium red · raw umber · viridian
Achieve the muted tones by mixing complementary colors and using white to adjust the values. Use thin washes for the sky and background, and thicker paint for the foreground and figures.
techniques
- ·atmospheric perspective
- ·glazing
- ·figure drawing
- ·dry brushing
- ·scumbling
common pitfalls
- →Overworking the details too early in the process.
- →Failing to establish a clear value structure.
- →Using colors that are too saturated.
- →Ignoring the atmospheric perspective, which flattens the image.
materials
surface · stretched canvas
required
- ·stretched canvas 18x24
- ·oil paints (burnt sienna, ultramarine blue, yellow ochre, titanium white, cadmium red, raw umber, viridian)
- ·linseed oil
- ·turpentine or odorless mineral spirits
- ·assorted brushes (round and flat, sizes 2-8)
- ·palette
- ·palette knife
- ·rags
optional
- ·retouch varnish
- ·painting medium
Use a medium-tooth canvas for best results. Consider using a toned canvas to help establish the overall color harmony.
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