plate no. 1492

Saint Monica in a Landscape

oilAcademicismreligious paintingfigurelandscapeskychildreligiousbuilding

experienced study

Recreating this painting will help students develop skills in portraiture, including accurate proportions and subtle skin tone variations, as well as blending techniques to create soft transitions.

technical profile

palette complexity

brushwork visibility

value contrast

compositional simplicity

study guide

est. 25 hrs

approach — 8 steps

step 01
Sketch the basic composition, focusing on the placement and proportions of the figures and the main landscape elements.
step 02
Establish the background sky and distant landscape with broad washes of color.
step 03
Block in the main shapes of the figures, paying attention to the overall value structure.
step 04
Begin refining the skin tones, using a limited palette and focusing on subtle gradations.
step 05
Develop the drapery and clothing, adding details and highlights.
step 06
Paint the hair, using thin layers to build up texture and volume.
step 07
Add details to the background landscape, such as the building and foliage.
step 08
Refine the overall composition, adjusting values and adding final details.

color palette

primary · titanium white · raw umber · ultramarine blue · yellow ochre

secondary · viridian green · cadmium red light · ivory black

Achieve skin tones by mixing white, yellow ochre, and a touch of red and umber. Use ultramarine and white for the sky, adding umber for darker clouds. Mix greens with blue, yellow, and a touch of umber.

techniques