plate no. 7878

Saint Matthew

oil, canvasBaroquereligious paintingfigurereligiousmanchildbookwriting

some experience helpful

This painting provides an opportunity to practice chiaroscuro and portraiture. Students can learn to model forms using light and shadow and capture the nuances of human expression.

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 figures.
step 02
Establish the dark background using a thin wash of dark brown or black.
step 03
Block in the main areas of light and shadow on the figures and book.
step 04
Develop the skin tones, layering warm and cool colors to create depth and realism.
step 05
Refine the details of the faces, paying attention to the eyes, nose, and mouth.
step 06
Add highlights to the hair and clothing to create a sense of volume.
step 07
Paint the quill and the book, adding details to suggest texture and form.
step 08
Adjust the values and colors as needed to create a harmonious and balanced composition.

color palette

primary · burnt umber · raw sienna · titanium white · cadmium yellow

secondary · ivory black · alizarin crimson · ultramarine blue

Achieve skin tones by mixing white, sienna, umber, and small amounts of red and yellow. Use black and umber for shadows, and white with a touch of yellow for highlights.

techniques