Saint Francis by Alfredo Volpi

plate no. 1236

Saint Francis

oilExpressionismreligious paintingfigurebirdsreligiousrobeskysaint

suitable for beginners

This painting is great for practicing simplified shapes and color blocking. Students can learn to create a harmonious composition with limited colors and minimal details.

technical profile

palette complexity

2

brushwork visibility

1

value contrast

3

compositional simplicity

4

study guide

est. 4 hrs

approach — 7 steps

step 01
Sketch the basic shapes of the figure and birds, focusing on proportions and placement.
step 02
Block in the background color with a light, even tone.
step 03
Paint the robe using a flat, consistent color, paying attention to the edges.
step 04
Add the white belt and facial details with precision.
step 05
Paint the birds with a contrasting color, ensuring clean lines.
step 06
Add the green line at the bottom.
step 07
Refine the edges and shapes as needed.

color palette

primary · brown · blue · peach

secondary · white · green · flesh tone

Mix brown by combining red, yellow, and blue. Adjust the proportions to achieve the desired shade. Peach can be created by mixing white with a touch of red and yellow.

techniques

·flat color application
·shape simplification
·color blocking
·clean edges
·limited palette

common pitfalls

→Overcomplicating the shapes
→Using too many colors
→Uneven color application
→Neglecting the proportions

materials

surface · Stretched canvas or heavy paper

required

·Canvas or paper
·Acrylic or oil paints
·Flat brushes
·Palette
·Water or solvent
·Pencil

optional

·Palette knife
·Ruler
·Tracing paper

Using a smooth surface will help achieve the flat, even color application seen in the original painting.

tips & new artworks in your inbox

no spam — unsubscribe anytime.

or to save artworks, chat, and track progress

related guides

oil painting for beginners →how to learn by studying the masters →

chat about this artwork

in this vein

related artworks

Dolly Sisters

Dolly Sisters

Kees van Dongen

Nude with Loaves

Nude with Loaves

Jean Helion

My Father

My Father

Carlos Botelho

Helen

Helen

Chronis Botsoglou

The portrait painter in the country

The portrait painter in the country

Albin Egger-Lienz

Marketta on Lázeňská street, Prague

Marketta on Lázeňská street, Prague

Maria Bozoky

Winter at the Entrepotdok, in Amsterdam city

Winter at the Entrepotdok, in Amsterdam city

Paul Werner

Old Woman with Masks (Theatre of Masks)

Old Woman with Masks (Theatre of Masks)

James Ensor