plate no. 4411

Saint Jerome

oilBaroquereligious paintingfigureskullbooksdraperytablereligious

experienced study

Recreating this painting will help students understand chiaroscuro and how to model forms using light and shadow. It also provides practice in rendering realistic textures like skin, fabric, and bone.

technical profile

palette complexity

brushwork visibility

value contrast

compositional simplicity

study guide

est. 25 hrs

approach — 8 steps

step 01
Create a preliminary sketch outlining the main shapes and composition.
step 02
Establish the dark background using a thin wash of dark brown.
step 03
Block in the main areas of light and shadow on the figure and objects.
step 04
Refine the facial features, paying close attention to the light and shadow.
step 05
Develop the details of the skull, books, and drapery.
step 06
Add highlights to create a sense of depth and realism.
step 07
Glaze shadows to deepen the dark areas and enhance the contrast.
step 08
Add final details and adjust values as needed.

color palette

primary · burnt umber · raw sienna · titanium white

secondary · cadmium red · ivory black

Mix various shades of brown and grey by combining burnt umber, raw sienna, and ivory black. Use cadmium red sparingly to create the red drapery, mixing it with burnt umber to darken the tone.

techniques