plate no. 1004

Landscape with St. Matthew and the Angel

oil, canvasClassicismreligious paintinglandscaperiverfiguresangelruinstrees

some experience helpful

Recreating this painting will help students develop skills in atmospheric perspective, color mixing for natural landscapes, and rendering drapery folds.

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 of the figures, river, and distant landscape.
step 02
Establish the sky and water with broad washes of color, paying attention to the subtle gradations.
step 03
Block in the major landforms and trees, using darker tones for the foreground and lighter tones for the background.
step 04
Begin to refine the details of the figures, focusing on the drapery and facial features.
step 05
Add details to the ruins and architectural elements in the foreground.
step 06
Develop the foliage of the trees, using a variety of greens and browns.
step 07
Glaze the painting to unify the colors and create depth.
step 08
Add final highlights and details to complete the painting.

color palette

primary · ultramarine blue · burnt umber · yellow ochre

secondary · titanium white · cadmium yellow · alizarin crimson

Mix greens by combining yellow ochre and ultramarine blue. Achieve atmospheric perspective by lightening colors with white and adding a touch of blue as elements recede into the distance.

techniques