plate no. 4117
Madonna
August von Pettenkofen, 1840
some experience helpful
Recreating this painting will help students develop skills in portraiture, including rendering skin tones and depicting subtle facial expressions. It also provides practice in creating a sense of depth and form using light and shadow.
technical profile
palette complexity
3
brushwork visibility
3
value contrast
4
compositional simplicity
4
study guide
est. 12 hrsapproach — 8 steps
- step 01
Prepare the canvas with a dark ground, such as burnt umber.
- step 02
Sketch the basic shapes and proportions of the figure, focusing on the head, hands, and drapery.
- step 03
Block in the main areas of color: the skin tones, the red dress, and the green cloak.
- step 04
Begin to refine the skin tones, using a limited palette of yellows, reds, and whites to create subtle variations in color and value.
- step 05
Develop the drapery, paying attention to the way the fabric folds and drapes around the figure.
- step 06
Add details to the face, such as the eyes, nose, and mouth, using small, precise brushstrokes.
- step 07
Refine the hands, paying attention to the way the light falls on the fingers and knuckles.
- step 08
Add final highlights and shadows to create a sense of depth and realism.
color palette
primary · yellow ochre · burnt sienna · titanium white · ivory black
secondary · alizarin crimson · viridian green
Skin tones are achieved by mixing yellow ochre, burnt sienna, and titanium white, with small amounts of alizarin crimson for warmth. The green cloak is a mix of viridian green and ivory black, with touches of yellow ochre for variation.
techniques
- ·blending
- ·glazing
- ·scumbling
- ·chiaroscuro
- ·portraiture
common pitfalls
- →Overworking the skin tones, resulting in a flat or lifeless appearance.
- →Failing to create a strong sense of depth and form.
- →Ignoring the subtle variations in color and value.
- →Getting the proportions of the figure wrong.
materials
surface · stretched canvas
required
- ·Stretched canvas (16x20 inches)
- ·Oil paints: yellow ochre, burnt sienna, titanium white, ivory black, alizarin crimson, viridian green
- ·Palette
- ·Assorted brushes (round and flat)
- ·Linseed oil
- ·Odorless mineral spirits
- ·Palette knife
- ·Rags
optional
- ·medium gloss
- ·retouch varnish
A toned canvas with a burnt umber wash will help to establish the dark background and create a sense of depth.
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