plate no. 0982

Saint Jerome

oilBaroquereligious paintingfigurelandscapenightmoonbookscandlelight

experienced study

Recreating this painting will help students understand chiaroscuro and how to create a sense of depth using value and subtle color shifts in a dark environment. It also provides practice in rendering the human figure in a dramatic lighting scenario.

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, table, and moon.
step 02
Establish the darkest areas of the painting with a dark brown or black.
step 03
Block in the general areas of light and shadow on the figure and table.
step 04
Begin layering in the mid-tones, gradually building up the form.
step 05
Carefully blend the transitions between light and shadow to create a soft, diffused effect.
step 06
Add details to the figure, books, and other objects, paying attention to the way light interacts with them.
step 07
Refine the highlights and shadows to create a sense of depth and realism.
step 08
Add the final details, such as the stars in the sky and the reflections of light on the ground.

color palette

primary · ivory black · burnt umber · raw sienna · titanium white

secondary · cadmium red light · yellow ochre

Achieve the dark tones by mixing ivory black and burnt umber. Use raw sienna and titanium white to create the lighter areas. Add small amounts of cadmium red light to the figure's robe and skin for warmth.

techniques