plate no. 3253
Saint Elizabeth of Thuringia
experienced study
Recreating this painting will help students develop skills in portraiture, fabric rendering, and creating a sense of depth through subtle value changes. It also offers practice in painting intricate details like jewelry and decorative patterns.
technical profile
palette complexity
4
brushwork visibility
3
value contrast
4
compositional simplicity
3
study guide
est. 25 hrsapproach — 8 steps
- step 01
Create a preliminary sketch to establish the figure's pose and proportions.
- step 02
Block in the background with a dark, neutral tone.
- step 03
Establish the basic shapes and colors of the clothing, focusing on the folds and drapery.
- step 04
Begin layering the skin tones, paying close attention to highlights and shadows.
- step 05
Paint the details of the face, including the eyes, nose, and mouth.
- step 06
Add the details of the clothing, including the gold trim, jewelry, and book.
- step 07
Refine the background and adjust the overall values to create a sense of depth.
- step 08
Add final highlights and details to complete the painting.
color palette
primary · ivory black · titanium white · cadmium red · yellow ochre
secondary · viridian green · burnt umber · gold
Mix various shades of green by combining viridian green with yellow ochre and burnt umber. Create skin tones by mixing titanium white, cadmium red, and yellow ochre, adjusting the proportions to achieve the desired shade.
techniques
- ·glazing
- ·scumbling
- ·chiaroscuro
- ·portraiture
- ·fabric rendering
common pitfalls
- →Getting the proportions of the figure wrong.
- →Overworking the details too early in the painting process.
- →Failing to create a sense of depth through value changes.
- →Making the skin tones appear flat or unnatural.
materials
surface · stretched canvas
required
- ·stretched canvas
- ·oil paints
- ·palette
- ·palette knife
- ·assorted brushes
- ·linseed oil
- ·turpentine
- ·rags
optional
- ·medium gloss
- ·retouch varnish
- ·easel
Use high-quality oil paints for best results. A smooth canvas surface will allow for easier blending and glazing.
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