plate no. 0034

Saint Paul

oil, canvasBaroquereligious paintingfigureportraitreligiousbookdraperyhalo

some experience helpful

This painting provides a good exercise in portraiture, focusing on capturing likeness and expression through subtle value changes. Students will also learn to render drapery and textures with limited color palette.

technical profile

palette complexity

brushwork visibility

value contrast

compositional simplicity

study guide

est. 15 hrs

approach — 8 steps

step 01
Create a preliminary sketch outlining the main shapes and proportions of the figure, book, and drapery.
step 02
Establish the background with a dark, muted tone, leaving space for the figure.
step 03
Block in the main areas of color for the face, hair, clothing, and book using thin washes.
step 04
Begin building up layers of paint on the face, focusing on highlights and shadows to create form.
step 05
Refine the details of the face, including the eyes, nose, and mouth, paying attention to subtle value changes.
step 06
Develop the drapery by adding folds and highlights, using a combination of blending and scumbling techniques.
step 07
Add details to the book, including the spine, pages, and clasp.
step 08
Add the halo and any final highlights or details.

color palette

primary · ivory black · burnt umber · cadmium red light · titanium white

secondary · ultramarine blue · yellow ochre

Mix various shades of brown and gray by combining ivory black, burnt umber, and titanium white. Use cadmium red light to create the vibrant red of the drapery, and mix with burnt umber for darker shades. Add ultramarine blue to create the blue clothing and shadows.

techniques