plate no. 2563

Saint Francis

oilBaroquereligious paintingfigurereligiousmonkrobeshadowportrait

some experience helpful

Recreating this painting will help students develop skills in portraiture, value studies, and creating a sense of depth through subtle color variations. It's a good exercise in capturing the texture of fabric and the nuances of light and shadow on a figure.

technical profile

palette complexity

brushwork visibility

value contrast

compositional simplicity

study guide

est. 15 hrs

approach — 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