plate no. 1295

Madonna in Gloria between Saint Francis and Santa Chiara Gentile da Fabriano

panel, temperaInternational Gothicreligious paintingMadonnachildsaintsreligious figuresgold background

some experience helpful

Recreating this painting will help students develop skills in figure drawing, drapery rendering, and creating a convincing gold leaf effect with paint. It also introduces the concept of hierarchical scale and symbolic representation.

technical profile

palette complexity

brushwork visibility

value contrast

compositional simplicity

study guide

est. 20 hrs

approach — 8 steps

step 01
Prepare the surface with gesso and let it dry completely.
step 02
Lightly sketch the main figures and their positions, paying attention to proportions.
step 03
Apply a base layer of gold or yellow ochre to the background.
step 04
Paint the figures' skin tones, starting with light washes and gradually building up the shadows.
step 05
Render the drapery with careful attention to folds and highlights, using darker shades for shadows.
step 06
Paint the halos with gold paint, adding details and patterns.
step 07
Add details to the faces and hands, using fine brushes.
step 08
Apply a glaze to the background to create a luminous effect.

color palette

primary · gold · ivory black · flesh tones

secondary · yellow ochre · burnt umber · raw sienna

Mix flesh tones by combining white, yellow ochre, and a touch of red. Achieve the gold effect by layering yellow ochre, gold paint, and a transparent glaze.

techniques

·glazing
·dry brushing
·layering
·hatching
·scumbling

common pitfalls

→Overworking the details in the background.
→Inaccurate proportions of the figures.
→Flat, lifeless skin tones.
→Harsh, unrealistic shadows.

materials

surface · gessoed panel

required

·Gessoed panel
·Acrylic paints (ivory black, yellow ochre, burnt umber, raw sienna, titanium white, red)
·Gold paint
·Round brushes (sizes 0, 2, 4)
·Flat brush (size 6)
·Palette
·Water
·Paper towels