plate no. 3298

Martha and Mary Magdalene

oil, canvasBaroquereligious paintingfigurestableclothingmirrorreligious scenehands

experienced study

Recreating this painting will help students develop skills in portraiture, fabric rendering, and creating dramatic lighting effects (chiaroscuro). It also provides practice in capturing realistic skin tones and textures.

technical profile

palette complexity

brushwork visibility

value contrast

compositional simplicity

study guide

est. 30 hrs

approach — 8 steps

step 01
Sketch the basic composition, focusing on the placement and proportions of the figures and objects.
step 02
Establish the dark background and the overall value structure using thin washes of burnt umber and black.
step 03
Block in the main colors of the figures' clothing and skin tones, paying attention to the light and shadow areas.
step 04
Begin building up the skin tones with layers of color, blending carefully to create smooth transitions.
step 05
Develop the drapery folds and textures of the clothing, using highlights and shadows to create depth.
step 06
Paint the details of the faces, including the eyes, nose, and mouth, to capture the likeness and expression of the figures.
step 07
Add the details of the mirror, comb, and other objects on the table, paying attention to their textures and reflections.
step 08
Refine the overall painting, adjusting the values and colors as needed to create a cohesive and realistic image.

color palette

primary · burnt umber · titanium white · cadmium red · ivory black

secondary · yellow ochre · viridian green · ultramarine blue

Achieve skin tones by mixing titanium white, yellow ochre, and a touch of cadmium red. Create the dark shadows by mixing burnt umber and ivory black. Use viridian green mixed with yellow ochre to create the green fabric.

techniques