plate no. 8928

Saint John the Baptist

temperaProto Renaissancereligious paintingfigurereligioussainthaloscrollgold background

some experience helpful

Recreating this painting will help students develop skills in portraiture, particularly rendering skin tones and drapery, and understanding the use of gold leaf or metallic paint to create a sense of divinity.

technical profile

palette complexity

brushwork visibility

value contrast

compositional simplicity

study guide

est. 20 hrs

approach — 8 steps

step 01
Prepare the surface with a gesso layer and let it dry completely.
step 02
Sketch the basic composition, focusing on the proportions of the figure and the placement of the scroll.
step 03
Apply a base layer of gold paint or gold leaf to the background, following the shapes of the halo and the decorative arch.
step 04
Begin painting the figure's skin tones, starting with a mid-tone and gradually adding highlights and shadows.
step 05
Paint the drapery, paying attention to the folds and the way the light interacts with the fabric.
step 06
Add details to the hair and beard, using small brushstrokes to create texture.
step 07
Carefully paint the scroll and the lettering, using a fine brush.
step 08
Add final details and highlights to the entire painting.

color palette

primary · gold · raw umber · burnt sienna · ultramarine blue

secondary · red ochre · ivory black

Mix raw umber and burnt sienna for the skin tones, adding white for highlights and a touch of ultramarine blue for shadows. Use red ochre for the red drapery and mix ultramarine blue and ivory black for the blue drapery.

techniques