plate no. 3474

Saint Catherine of Siena receiving the stigmata between Saints Benedict and Jerome (detail)

woodHigh Renaissancereligious paintingfigurelandscapearchitecturereligioussaintforeground

some experience helpful

Recreating this painting will help students develop skills in rendering figures in shadow and creating atmospheric perspective in landscapes. It also provides practice in replicating complex patterns and textures.

technical profile

palette complexity

brushwork visibility

value contrast

compositional simplicity

study guide

est. 20 hrs

approach — 7 steps

step 01
Begin with a light sketch outlining the main figures and landscape elements.
step 02
Establish the background landscape using thin washes of color, focusing on atmospheric perspective.
step 03
Block in the main shapes of the figures, paying attention to the areas of deep shadow.
step 04
Develop the details of the face and hands, using subtle gradations of color.
step 05
Add the details of the clothing and other elements, such as the book and the flower.
step 06
Refine the foreground details, including the patterned floor.
step 07
Adjust the values and colors throughout the painting to create a sense of depth and realism.

color palette

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

secondary · burnt sienna · ultramarine blue · cadmium red light

Achieve the muted tones by mixing black and white with small amounts of earth tones. Create atmospheric perspective by adding blue to the background colors.

techniques