plate no. 5372

Judith and her Maidservant

oil, canvasTenebrismreligious paintingfigureswomenswordheadbasketclothing

experienced study

Recreating this painting will help students develop skills in dramatic lighting (tenebrism) and rendering realistic skin tones and drapery. It also offers practice in depicting complex figure compositions and conveying narrative through visual elements.

technical profile

palette complexity

brushwork visibility

value contrast

compositional simplicity

study guide

est. 30 hrs

approach — 8 steps

step 01
Create a preliminary sketch to establish the composition and proportions of the figures and objects.
step 02
Block in the main areas of color, focusing on the overall value structure and the dramatic contrast between light and shadow.
step 03
Develop the skin tones using layers of thin glazes, paying close attention to the subtle variations in color and value.
step 04
Render the drapery with careful attention to the folds and highlights, using a combination of blending and scumbling techniques.
step 05
Paint the details of the sword, basket, and other objects, focusing on their texture and form.
step 06
Refine the overall composition and add any final details, such as highlights and shadows.
step 07
Glaze the painting to unify the colors and enhance the depth.
step 08
Add final details and highlights.

color palette

primary · ivory black · yellow ochre · cadmium red · titanium white

secondary · raw umber · burnt sienna · ultramarine blue

Achieve skin tones by mixing white, yellow ochre, and a touch of red. Create shadows by adding burnt umber and a hint of blue. Use glazes of burnt sienna and raw umber to add depth and warmth to the darker areas.

techniques