plate no. 3936
Saint Jerome in His Study
Filippino Lippi, 1493
some experience helpful
Recreating this painting will help students develop skills in rendering drapery folds and creating realistic skin tones. The painting also offers practice in depicting textures like wood and paper.
technical profile
palette complexity
3
brushwork visibility
3
value contrast
4
compositional simplicity
3
study guide
est. 20 hrsapproach — 8 steps
- step 01
Sketch the basic composition, focusing on the placement of the figure, desk, and books.
- step 02
Establish the main light source and map out the areas of light and shadow.
- step 03
Begin blocking in the background with dark greens and browns.
- step 04
Paint the figure's face and hands, paying attention to subtle color variations.
- step 05
Render the red robe, focusing on the folds and highlights.
- step 06
Paint the desk and books, adding details and textures.
- step 07
Add the halo and other small details.
- step 08
Refine the painting by adjusting values and adding final touches.
color palette
primary · cadmium red · titanium white · raw umber
secondary · yellow ochre · ivory black · viridian green
Mix various shades of red by adding white for highlights and umber for shadows. Use yellow ochre and umber to create the wood tones of the desk. Mix greens and browns for the background.
techniques
- ·glazing
- ·scumbling
- ·chiaroscuro
- ·drapery study
common pitfalls
- →Overworking the details too early in the process.
- →Failing to establish a strong value structure.
- →Using too much paint and losing the luminosity.
- →Not paying attention to the subtle color variations in the skin tones.
materials
surface · stretched canvas
required
- ·stretched canvas
- ·oil paints
- ·palette
- ·palette knife
- ·assorted brushes
- ·linseed oil
- ·turpentine
- ·rags
optional
- ·medium gloss
- ·retouch varnish
Use high-quality oil paints for best results. A medium-grain canvas will provide a good surface for the painting.
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