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home·artworks·Saint Peter praying
Saint Peter praying by Matthias Stom

plate no. 6058

Saint Peter praying

Matthias Stom

oilBaroquereligious paintingfigureportraitreligioushandsbeardclothing
experienced study

Recreating this painting will help students develop skills in portraiture, particularly in rendering realistic skin tones and textures, as well as understanding dramatic chiaroscuro lighting. Students will also learn how to depict folds in fabric and the anatomy of hands.

technical profile

palette complexity
4
brushwork visibility
3
value contrast
5
compositional simplicity
4

study guide

est. 20 hrs

approach — 8 steps

  1. step 01

    Create a light sketch outlining the basic shapes and proportions of the figure, focusing on the head, hands, and drapery.

  2. step 02

    Establish the darkest areas of the background and the shadows on the figure with a thin wash of dark brown or umber.

  3. step 03

    Block in the mid-tones on the face, hands, and clothing, paying attention to the direction of light.

  4. step 04

    Begin layering lighter tones onto the face and hands, building up the form and creating highlights.

  5. step 05

    Add details to the face, such as wrinkles, beard texture, and the expression in the eyes.

  6. step 06

    Refine the drapery, adding folds and highlights to create a sense of volume.

  7. step 07

    Adjust the values throughout the painting to enhance the contrast and create a sense of depth.

  8. step 08

    Add final details and highlights to complete the painting.

color palette

primary · raw umber · titanium white · ivory black

secondary · ultramarine blue · yellow ochre · burnt sienna

Achieve skin tones by mixing white, umber, and small amounts of yellow ochre and burnt sienna. Use ultramarine blue mixed with umber to create the blue fabric. Vary the brown tones by mixing umber with white, yellow ochre, or burnt sienna.

techniques

  • ·chiaroscuro
  • ·glazing
  • ·scumbling
  • ·portraiture

common pitfalls

  • →Failing to establish a strong value structure early on.
  • →Overworking the details before establishing the overall form.
  • →Using colors that are too saturated, resulting in an unrealistic appearance.
  • →Ignoring the subtle shifts in value that create depth and form.

materials

surface · stretched canvas

required

  • ·stretched canvas (16x20 inches)
  • ·oil paints (raw umber, titanium white, ivory black, ultramarine blue, yellow ochre, burnt sienna)
  • ·palette
  • ·palette knife
  • ·assorted brushes (round and flat)
  • ·linseed oil
  • ·turpentine or odorless mineral spirits

optional

  • ·retouch varnish
  • ·painting medium

Use high-quality oil paints for best results. Consider using a toned canvas to help establish the value structure early on.

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related guides

oil painting for beginners →chiaroscuro →how to learn by studying the masters →
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