plate no. 4483
Life of St Benedict, Scene 33. Benedict Gives Posthumous Absolution to Two Nuns
Il Sodoma, 1508
experienced study
Recreating this painting will help students develop skills in figure drawing, perspective, and creating a sense of depth through atmospheric perspective and value changes. It also provides practice in rendering drapery and architectural details.
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 to establish the overall composition and perspective of the architectural space.
- step 02
Rough in the placement of the figures, paying attention to their relative sizes and positions.
- step 03
Block in the basic colors for the architecture, figures, and drapery, focusing on the overall value structure.
- step 04
Develop the details of the architecture, including the columns, arches, and decorative elements.
- step 05
Refine the figures, adding details to their faces, hands, and clothing.
- step 06
Add highlights and shadows to create depth and dimension.
- step 07
Pay attention to the subtle color variations in the drapery and skin tones.
- step 08
Add final details and adjustments to complete the painting.
color palette
primary · ochre · burnt umber · titanium white
secondary · ultramarine blue · cadmium red light · viridian
Achieve the muted tones by mixing earth tones with white and small amounts of blues and reds. Use glazes to build up color depth in the drapery.
techniques
- ·underpainting
- ·glazing
- ·atmospheric perspective
- ·figure drawing
- ·drapery rendering
common pitfalls
- →Incorrect perspective leading to a distorted space.
- →Overworking the details and losing the overall harmony.
- →Getting the proportions of the figures wrong.
- →Using colors that are too saturated and bright.
materials
surface · stretched canvas
required
- ·stretched canvas
- ·acrylic gesso
- ·burnt umber oil paint
- ·raw sienna oil paint
- ·titanium white oil paint
- ·ultramarine blue oil paint
- ·#2 round brush
- ·#6 flat brush
optional
- ·palette knife
- ·linseed oil
- ·turpentine
- ·medium gloss
Use a high-quality canvas and oil paints for best results. Consider using a medium to thin the paints and improve their flow.
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