plate no. 1733
John Chrysostom and Aelia Eudoxia
Jean-Paul Laurens, 1880
some experience helpful
Recreating this painting will help students develop skills in rendering figures in drapery, understanding warm color harmonies, and creating a sense of depth through atmospheric perspective. It also provides practice in depicting architectural details and subtle light variations.
technical profile
palette complexity
3
brushwork visibility
3
value contrast
3
compositional simplicity
3
study guide
est. 15 hrsapproach — 8 steps
- step 01
Sketch the basic composition, focusing on the placement of the figures and architectural elements.
- step 02
Establish the overall warm color palette by applying a thin wash of burnt sienna or yellow ochre.
- step 03
Block in the main shapes of the figures, paying attention to the folds of the drapery.
- step 04
Develop the architectural details, including the arches, columns, and decorative elements.
- step 05
Add the figures in the balcony, simplifying their forms and focusing on their general shapes.
- step 06
Refine the lighting and shadows, creating a sense of depth and atmosphere.
- step 07
Add details to the monk's robe and the tapestry, using smaller brushes.
- step 08
Apply final glazes to unify the colors and create a subtle sheen.
color palette
primary · yellow ochre · burnt sienna · titanium white
secondary · raw umber · ivory black
Achieve the warm, golden tones by mixing yellow ochre with varying amounts of burnt sienna and white. Use raw umber and black sparingly for shadows and details.
techniques
- ·glazing
- ·scumbling
- ·chiaroscuro
- ·atmospheric perspective
- ·drapery rendering
common pitfalls
- →Overworking the details too early in the process.
- →Failing to establish a consistent light source.
- →Using colors that are too saturated.
- →Ignoring the subtle variations in value.
materials
surface · stretched canvas
required
- ·stretched canvas
- ·yellow ochre oil paint
- ·burnt sienna oil paint
- ·titanium white oil paint
- ·raw umber oil paint
- ·ivory black oil paint
- ·round brushes (sizes 2, 4, 6)
- ·linseed oil
optional
- ·palette knife
- ·retouch varnish
- ·medium gloss
Use a high-quality canvas primed with gesso for best results. Consider using a medium to improve the flow of the paint.
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