plate no. 0687

Saint Jerome

oilBaroquereligious paintingfigureskullbooktablerobebeard

some experience helpful

Recreating this painting will help students understand chiaroscuro and how to create depth using subtle value changes. It also provides practice in rendering realistic skin tones and textures.

technical profile

palette complexity

brushwork visibility

value contrast

compositional simplicity

study guide

est. 20 hrs

approach — 8 steps

step 01
Sketch the basic composition, focusing on the placement and proportions of the figure, skull, and book.
step 02
Establish the dark background using a thin wash of dark brown.
step 03
Block in the main shapes of the figure, skull, and book with mid-tone values.
step 04
Begin to build up the highlights and shadows, paying close attention to the light source.
step 05
Refine the details of the face, hands, and skull, adding wrinkles, texture, and subtle color variations.
step 06
Add details to the book, including the pages and text.
step 07
Adjust the overall values and contrast to create a sense of depth and drama.
step 08
Add final highlights and details to complete the painting.

color palette

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

secondary · yellow ochre · cadmium red light

Mix burnt umber and ivory black for the dark background. Use raw sienna and titanium white for the skin tones, adding small amounts of yellow ochre and cadmium red light for warmth.

techniques