plate no. 3988
Saint Jerome in Penitence
Bernardino Luini, 1525
experienced study
Recreating this painting will help students develop skills in figure drawing, rendering drapery, and creating atmospheric perspective in a landscape. It also provides practice in achieving realistic skin tones and textures.
technical profile
palette complexity
4
brushwork visibility
3
value contrast
4
compositional simplicity
3
study guide
est. 30 hrsapproach — 8 steps
- step 01
Create a preliminary sketch outlining the main figures and landscape elements.
- step 02
Block in the basic colors for the background, focusing on establishing the atmospheric perspective.
- step 03
Establish the main values and shadows on the figure of Saint Jerome.
- step 04
Begin rendering the drapery, paying close attention to the folds and highlights.
- step 05
Paint the lion, focusing on its anatomy and fur texture.
- step 06
Add details to the landscape, including the trees, water, and distant buildings.
- step 07
Refine the figure's features, including the face, beard, and hands.
- step 08
Add final details, such as the skull and the crucifix, and adjust the overall color harmony.
color palette
primary · red ochre · ultramarine blue · raw umber · titanium white
secondary · yellow ochre · burnt sienna · ivory black
Achieve the skin tones by mixing white, ochre, umber, and a touch of red. Create the atmospheric perspective by gradually lightening and desaturating the colors in the background.
techniques
- ·glazing
- ·scumbling
- ·chiaroscuro
- ·atmospheric perspective
- ·drapery rendering
common pitfalls
- →Overworking the details too early in the process.
- →Failing to establish a strong value structure.
- →Not paying enough attention to the anatomy of the figure and the lion.
- →Ignoring the atmospheric perspective, which can flatten the image.
materials
surface · stretched canvas
required
- ·stretched canvas
- ·oil paints
- ·linseed oil
- ·turpentine
- ·palette
- ·assorted brushes
- ·palette knife
optional
- ·retouch varnish
- ·painting medium
- ·easel
Use high-quality oil paints for best results. Consider using a medium to improve the flow and blending of the paints.
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