plate no. 2563
Saint Francis
study guide
est. 15 hrsapproach — 8 steps
- step 01
Sketch the basic figure proportions and pose on the canvas.
- step 02
Block in the background with a dark, muted color.
- step 03
Establish the main light source and begin to define the shadows on the figure.
- step 04
Start layering the robe, focusing on the folds and drapery.
- step 05
Carefully paint the face, paying attention to the highlights and shadows to create form.
- step 06
Add details to the rope and other elements of the clothing.
- step 07
Refine the background and the shadow cast by the figure.
- step 08
Add final highlights and details to complete the painting.
color palette
primary · raw umber · ivory black · titanium white
secondary · yellow ochre · burnt sienna
Achieve the robe color by mixing raw umber, ivory black, and titanium white in varying proportions. Use yellow ochre and burnt sienna to add warmth to the highlights and shadows.
techniques
- ·chiaroscuro
- ·glazing
- ·scumbling
- ·portraiture
- ·drapery
common pitfalls
- →Overworking the details too early
- →Failing to establish a strong value structure
- →Using too much bright color
- →Ignoring the subtle color variations in the robe
materials
surface · stretched canvas
required
- ·stretched canvas
- ·raw umber oil paint
- ·ivory black oil paint
- ·titanium white oil paint
- ·yellow ochre oil paint
- ·burnt sienna oil paint
- ·#4 round brush
- ·#8 flat brush
optional
- ·palette knife
- ·linseed oil
- ·turpentine
- ·medium gloss
Use a toned canvas to help establish the dark background. Consider using a limited palette to simplify the color mixing process.
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