plate no. 3115
Saint Andrew in half figure, in front of a landscape
Lucas van Leyden, 1523
some experience helpful
Recreating this painting will help students develop skills in portraiture, drapery, and creating a sense of depth through atmospheric perspective. It also provides practice in rendering realistic textures like wood and fabric.
technical profile
palette complexity
3
brushwork visibility
3
value contrast
3
compositional simplicity
3
study guide
est. 15 hrsapproach — 8 steps
- step 01
Lightly sketch the main shapes: figure, book, tree, and background elements.
- step 02
Establish the basic value structure with a thin wash of burnt umber or similar earth tone.
- step 03
Block in the main colors of the figure's robe, cloak, and skin tones.
- step 04
Begin refining the facial features, paying attention to the light and shadow.
- step 05
Develop the details of the book, including the pages and binding.
- step 06
Work on the textures of the tree bark and foliage.
- step 07
Paint the background landscape, using lighter values and softer edges to create depth.
- step 08
Add final highlights and details to enhance the realism of the painting.
color palette
primary · burnt umber · raw sienna · titanium white · cadmium red
secondary · ultramarine blue · ivory black · yellow ochre
Mix various shades of brown and gray by combining the primary colors with small amounts of blue and black. Use white to lighten the colors and create highlights. Achieve the skin tones by mixing red, yellow, and brown with white.
techniques
- ·underpainting
- ·glazing
- ·scumbling
- ·chiaroscuro
- ·atmospheric perspective
common pitfalls
- →Overworking the details too early in the process.
- →Failing to establish a strong value structure.
- →Using colors that are too saturated.
- →Neglecting the importance of soft edges in the background.
materials
surface · stretched canvas
required
- ·stretched canvas
- ·burnt umber oil paint
- ·raw sienna oil paint
- ·titanium white oil paint
- ·cadmium red oil paint
- ·round brushes (sizes 2, 4, 6)
- ·flat brushes (sizes 4, 8)
- ·linseed oil
optional
- ·palette knife
- ·medium gloss
- ·odorless mineral spirits
Use a medium-grain canvas for best results. Consider using a toned ground to help establish the value structure.
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