plate no. 9351

Saint Benedict receiving Totila, King of the Ostrogoths

oil, canvasBaroquereligious paintingfiguresbuildinghorsesarmorskyreligious scene

experienced study

Recreating this painting will help students develop skills in figure drawing, drapery painting, and creating atmospheric perspective. It also provides practice in rendering complex textures like metal armor and fabric.

technical profile

palette complexity

brushwork visibility

value contrast

compositional simplicity

study guide

est. 30 hrs

approach — 8 steps

step 01
Create a preliminary sketch to establish the composition and proportions of the figures and architecture.
step 02
Block in the main shapes and colors using thin washes of paint.
step 03
Establish the light source and begin to build up the values, focusing on the areas of highest contrast.
step 04
Develop the figures, paying attention to anatomical accuracy and drapery folds.
step 05
Add details to the architecture, armor, and other elements, gradually refining the forms.
step 06
Work on the background and atmospheric perspective, softening edges and reducing contrast in the distance.
step 07
Add final highlights and details to create a sense of realism and depth.
step 08
Glaze with thin layers of color to unify the painting and enhance the overall effect.

color palette

primary · ivory black · raw umber · yellow ochre · titanium white

secondary · cadmium red · ultramarine blue · burnt sienna

Achieve the muted tones by mixing earth colors with white and small amounts of blue or red. Use glazes of burnt sienna and umber to create shadows and depth.

techniques

·glazing
·scumbling
·chiaroscuro
·atmospheric perspective
·figure drawing

common pitfalls

→Getting lost in the details too early, before establishing the overall composition and values.
→Failing to create a convincing sense of depth and atmosphere.
→Overworking the painting and losing the freshness of the initial layers.
→Inaccurate figure drawing and proportions.

materials

surface · stretched canvas

required

·stretched canvas (18x24 inches)
·oil paints (ivory black, raw umber, yellow ochre, titanium white, cadmium red, ultramarine blue, burnt sienna)
·linseed oil
·turpentine
·palette
·assorted brushes (round, flat, filbert)
·palette knife
·rags