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home·artworks·Martyrdom of the Franciscans
Martyrdom of the Franciscans by Ambrogio Lorenzetti

plate no. 0864

Martyrdom of the Franciscans

Ambrogio Lorenzetti, 1327

oilInternational Gothicreligious paintingfiguresreligious scenearchitectureinteriormartyrdomthrone
some experience helpful

Recreating this painting will help students develop skills in figure drawing, composition, and creating a sense of depth through layering and subtle color variations. It also provides practice in rendering drapery and architectural details.

technical profile

palette complexity
3
brushwork visibility
2
value contrast
3
compositional simplicity
2

study guide

est. 20 hrs

approach — 8 steps

  1. step 01

    Create a rough sketch of the overall composition, focusing on the placement of the main figures and architectural elements.

  2. step 02

    Block in the main color areas with diluted washes, establishing the basic tones and values.

  3. step 03

    Begin refining the figures, paying attention to proportions and anatomical details.

  4. step 04

    Develop the architectural details, including the throne, arches, and decorative elements.

  5. step 05

    Add layers of color to build depth and create subtle variations in tone.

  6. step 06

    Define the light and shadow areas to create a sense of volume and form.

  7. step 07

    Add details to the faces and clothing, capturing the expressions and textures.

  8. step 08

    Refine the background and add any final details to complete the painting.

color palette

primary · yellow ochre · burnt umber · ultramarine blue

secondary · raw sienna · titanium white · vermilion

Achieve the muted tones by mixing earth tones with white and small amounts of blue or red. Use glazes of diluted color to create subtle variations and depth.

techniques

  • ·underpainting
  • ·glazing
  • ·figure drawing
  • ·drapery rendering
  • ·architectural rendering

common pitfalls

  • →overworking details too early
  • →inaccurate proportions of figures
  • →muddying colors by overmixing
  • →ignoring the overall composition and focal point

materials

surface · stretched canvas

required

  • ·stretched canvas
  • ·acrylic or oil paints
  • ·round brushes (sizes 2, 4, 6)
  • ·flat brushes (sizes 4, 8)
  • ·palette
  • ·linseed oil (if using oils)
  • ·mineral spirits (if using oils)

optional

  • ·palette knife
  • ·medium gloss
  • ·easel

Use a toned canvas to help establish the overall color scheme. Consider using a limited palette to simplify the color mixing process.

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