plate no. 9661

Magdalena Penitente

oilMannerism (Late Renaissance)religious paintingfigureskullcrucifixbooklandscapemoon

experienced study

Recreating this painting will help students develop skills in chiaroscuro, creating dramatic lighting effects, and rendering complex textures like hair and woven materials. It also provides practice in depicting the human form with subtle gradations of tone.

technical profile

palette complexity

brushwork visibility

value contrast

compositional simplicity

study guide

est. 25 hrs

approach — 8 steps

step 01
Begin with a light sketch to establish the composition and placement of major elements.
step 02
Block in the darkest areas of the background using a dark brown or black.
step 03
Establish the main light source and begin to build up the highlights on the figure and objects.
step 04
Focus on rendering the skin tones, paying close attention to the subtle shifts in value and color.
step 05
Work on the details of the hair, using small brushstrokes to create texture and movement.
step 06
Add details to the still life elements, such as the skull, crucifix, and book.
step 07
Refine the background, adding subtle details and atmospheric perspective.
step 08
Add final highlights and shadows to create a sense of depth and realism.

color palette

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

secondary · cadmium yellow · alizarin crimson · ultramarine blue

Achieve skin tones by mixing white, sienna, and a touch of crimson. Use umber and black for shadows, and add small amounts of blue or yellow to adjust the temperature of the colors.

techniques

·chiaroscuro
·glazing
·scumbling
·dry brushing
·portraiture

common pitfalls

→Overworking the details too early in the process.
→Failing to establish a strong light source.
→Using colors that are too saturated or bright.
→Ignoring the subtle shifts in value and color.

materials

surface · stretched canvas

required

·stretched canvas (18x24 inches)
·oil paints (burnt umber, raw sienna, titanium white, ivory black, cadmium yellow, alizarin crimson, ultramarine blue)
·linseed oil
·turpentine or odorless mineral spirits
·assorted brushes (round and flat)
·palette
·palette knife
·rags or paper towels