plate no. 1953

Repenting Magdalene, also called Magdalene before Mirror or Magadalene Fabius.

oil, canvasTenebrismgenre paintingfigureskullcandlereflectiontabledark interior

some experience helpful

This painting is a great study in chiaroscuro and how light can be used to create drama and mood. Recreating this will help students understand how to simplify forms and focus on value relationships.

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, skulls, and candle.
step 02
Establish the darkest areas of the painting with a thin wash of burnt umber.
step 03
Begin layering in the mid-tones, focusing on the areas around the candle's light.
step 04
Carefully build up the highlights on the figure's face, hands, and clothing.
step 05
Refine the details of the skulls, using subtle variations in value to create form.
step 06
Pay close attention to the reflected skull in the mirror, ensuring it aligns with the light source.
step 07
Glaze over the entire painting with a thin layer of burnt umber to unify the colors and deepen the shadows.
step 08
Add final highlights and details to bring the painting to life.

color palette

primary · burnt umber · raw umber · titanium white

secondary · yellow ochre · ivory black

Mix burnt umber and raw umber for the dark shadows. Add small amounts of yellow ochre and white to create the highlights. Use thin glazes of burnt umber to create depth and atmosphere.

techniques

·chiaroscuro
·glazing
·scumbling
·underpainting
·value study

common pitfalls

→Overworking the highlights, making them appear too bright and unnatural.
→Failing to establish a strong value structure, resulting in a flat and lifeless painting.
→Getting lost in the details too early, before establishing the overall composition and value relationships.
→Not paying enough attention to the subtle variations in color and value within the shadows.