plate no. 1345

Madonna with the Milk Soup

oil, panelNorthern Renaissancereligious paintingfigurereligiouswindowlandscapestill lifetable

some experience helpful

Recreating this painting will help students develop skills in portraiture, including rendering realistic skin tones and drapery, as well as understanding how to create depth using atmospheric perspective in the landscape.

technical profile

palette complexity

brushwork visibility

value contrast

compositional simplicity

study guide

est. 20 hrs

approach — 8 steps

step 01
Begin with a light sketch outlining the main figures and objects.
step 02
Establish the background landscape through the window using thin washes of color.
step 03
Block in the main areas of color for the figures, focusing on accurate proportions.
step 04
Develop the skin tones using layers of thin glazes, paying attention to highlights and shadows.
step 05
Add details to the drapery and clothing, capturing the folds and textures.
step 06
Paint the still life elements on the table, focusing on accurate shapes and colors.
step 07
Refine the details of the faces, including the eyes, nose, and mouth.
step 08
Add final highlights and shadows to create a sense of depth and realism.

color palette

primary · ivory black · ultramarine blue · burnt umber · titanium white

secondary · cadmium red · yellow ochre · sap green

Achieve skin tones by mixing white, red, yellow ochre, and a touch of burnt umber. Create depth in the landscape by layering diluted blues and greens.

techniques