plate no. 7043

Our lady sings Magnificat, With tones surpassing sweet

Eleanor Fortescue-Brickdale, 1920

oilRomanticismillustrationfiguresrosesgardenlandscapearchitecturebirds

experienced study

Recreating this painting will help students develop skills in rendering complex figures, drapery, and floral details, as well as understanding atmospheric perspective and color harmony.

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 the figures and the architectural elements.
step 02
Establish the background landscape and sky with thin washes of color.
step 03
Block in the main colors of the figures' clothing and skin tones.
step 04
Develop the details of the faces, hair, and hands, paying attention to subtle variations in color and value.
step 05
Paint the rose bush and other floral elements, using small brushstrokes to create texture and detail.
step 06
Add the patterned background and architectural details, using a fine brush.
step 07
Refine the overall composition, adjusting colors and values as needed.
step 08
Add final details and highlights to create depth and realism.

color palette

primary · ultramarine blue · alizarin crimson · yellow ochre · titanium white

secondary · viridian green · burnt umber · cadmium red light · ivory black

Mix various shades of blue and white for the Virgin Mary's robe. Use alizarin crimson and white for the roses, adding touches of yellow ochre for warmth. Create the skin tones by mixing yellow ochre, alizarin crimson, and white, adjusting the proportions to achieve the desired shade.

techniques