plate no. 6640

Repenting Magdalene, also called Magdalene and Two Flames

oil, canvasTenebrismgenre paintingfigurecandleskulltablemirrordrapery

some experience helpful

Recreating this painting will help students understand dramatic lighting (chiaroscuro) and how to create a focal point using light and shadow. It will also develop skills in rendering fabric and subtle skin tones.

technical profile

palette complexity

brushwork visibility

value contrast

compositional simplicity

study guide

est. 15 hrs

approach — 8 steps

step 01
Sketch the basic composition, paying attention to the placement of the figure, skull, and candle.
step 02
Establish the darkest areas of the painting with a thin wash of dark brown.
step 03
Block in the main shapes of the figure and drapery with mid-tone browns and reds.
step 04
Begin to build up the highlights on the figure and skull, using lighter tones of brown and white.
step 05
Carefully render the candle flame and its reflection in the mirror, using bright yellows and oranges.
step 06
Refine the details of the drapery and the skull, paying attention to the subtle variations in tone.
step 07
Add the final highlights and shadows to create a sense of depth and realism.
step 08
Glaze with thin layers of color to unify the painting and enhance the overall mood.

color palette

primary · burnt umber · raw umber · titanium white · cadmium yellow

secondary · burnt sienna · cadmium red light

Mix various shades of brown by combining burnt umber, raw umber, and white. Add small amounts of burnt sienna or cadmium red to warm up the browns. Use cadmium yellow and white for the candle flame highlights.

techniques

·chiaroscuro
·glazing
·scumbling
·blending
·underpainting

common pitfalls

→Failing to establish a strong value contrast.
→Overworking the details too early in the painting process.
→Using too much color and losing the overall tonal harmony.
→Not paying enough attention to the subtle variations in tone.

materials

surface · stretched canvas

required

·stretched canvas (16x20 inches)
·oil paints (burnt umber, raw umber, titanium white, cadmium yellow, burnt sienna, cadmium red light)
·linseed oil
·turpentine or odorless mineral spirits
·palette
·assorted brushes (round and flat)
·palette knife
·rags