plate no. 1756

Madonna of Loreto

oil, canvasBaroquereligious paintingfiguresreligious sceneMadonnachildbeggarsarchitecture

experienced study

Recreating this painting will help students develop skills in chiaroscuro, figure drawing, and creating a sense of drama through lighting. It also provides practice in rendering realistic skin tones and drapery.

technical profile

palette complexity

brushwork visibility

value contrast

compositional simplicity

study guide

est. 25 hrs

approach — 8 steps

step 01
Sketch the basic composition, focusing on the placement of figures and the architectural elements.
step 02
Establish the dark background using a mix of burnt umber and black.
step 03
Block in the main shapes of the figures with mid-tones, paying attention to proportions.
step 04
Begin layering highlights and shadows on the figures, focusing on the light source.
step 05
Refine the details of the faces, hands, and drapery, using smaller brushes.
step 06
Add the architectural details, such as the columns and doorway, with careful attention to perspective.
step 07
Glaze thin layers of color to unify the painting and enhance the depth of shadows.
step 08
Add final highlights and details to create a sense of realism.

color palette

primary · burnt umber · raw sienna · ivory black · titanium white

secondary · alizarin crimson · yellow ochre

Achieve the warm skin tones by mixing white, sienna, and a touch of crimson. Use burnt umber and black for the deep shadows, and add white to create lighter shades.

techniques