plate no. 2666
Life of St Benedict, Scene 31. Benedict Feeds the Monk
Il Sodoma, 1508
experienced study
Recreating this painting will help students develop skills in depicting figures in perspective and creating a sense of depth through atmospheric perspective and subtle value changes.
technical profile
palette complexity
3
brushwork visibility
2
value contrast
3
compositional simplicity
2
study guide
est. 25 hrsapproach — 8 steps
- step 01
Begin with a light sketch outlining the major architectural elements and figures.
- step 02
Establish the basic composition and perspective lines.
- step 03
Block in the main areas of color, focusing on the overall tonal values.
- step 04
Develop the figures, paying attention to their proportions and drapery.
- step 05
Add details to the architectural elements, such as the columns and arches.
- step 06
Refine the lighting and shadows to create depth and form.
- step 07
Add the smaller details like the animals, food on the table, and text.
- step 08
Apply glazes to unify the colors and create a sense of atmosphere.
color palette
primary · ivory black · raw umber · yellow ochre · titanium white
secondary · burnt sienna · cadmium red light · ultramarine blue
Achieve the muted, earthy tones by mixing the primary colors with white and small amounts of the secondary colors. Use glazes of thinned color to create subtle shifts in tone and depth.
techniques
- ·underpainting
- ·glazing
- ·atmospheric perspective
- ·figure drawing
- ·linear perspective
common pitfalls
- →Overworking the details too early in the process.
- →Failing to establish a strong sense of perspective.
- →Using colors that are too saturated or bright.
- →Ignoring the subtle value changes that create depth.
materials
surface · stretched canvas
required
- ·stretched canvas
- ·acrylic gesso
- ·ivory black oil paint
- ·raw umber oil paint
- ·yellow ochre oil paint
- ·titanium white oil paint
- ·round brushes (sizes 2, 4, 6)
- ·linseed oil
optional
- ·palette knife
- ·retouch varnish
- ·medium gloss
Use high-quality oil paints for best results. Prepare the canvas with several layers of gesso for a smooth surface.
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