plate no. 8999

Saint Francis in Prayer

oil, canvasBaroquereligious paintingfigureskullreligiousmonkdark backgroundcross

some experience helpful

Recreating this painting will help students understand chiaroscuro and how to model forms using subtle value changes in a limited color palette. It also provides practice in rendering drapery and human anatomy.

technical profile

palette complexity

brushwork visibility

value contrast

compositional simplicity

study guide

est. 15 hrs

approach — 8 steps

step 01
Sketch the basic composition, focusing on the placement of the figure, skull, and cross.
step 02
Establish the dark background with a thin wash of dark brown.
step 03
Block in the main shapes of the figure and skull with mid-tone browns and grays.
step 04
Begin building up the highlights on the skull and the figure's face and hands.
step 05
Refine the details of the drapery, paying attention to the folds and shadows.
step 06
Add subtle highlights to the cross and the surrounding area.
step 07
Glaze thin layers of color to deepen shadows and unify the painting.
step 08
Add final details and highlights to create a sense of realism.

color palette

primary · raw umber · burnt umber · titanium white

secondary · yellow ochre · ivory black

Mix various shades of brown and gray by combining raw umber, burnt umber, ivory black, and titanium white. Use yellow ochre sparingly to add warmth to the skin tones and highlights.

techniques