plate no. 8034

Saint Thomas Aquinas

oilBaroquereligious paintingfigurebuildingskyarchitecturereligiouslandscape

some experience helpful

Recreating this painting will help students develop skills in portraiture, architectural rendering, and creating atmospheric perspective. Students will also learn to mix subtle color variations and create depth through value changes.

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 of the figure and the main architectural elements.
step 02
Establish the main value structure with a thin wash of burnt umber or a similar earth tone.
step 03
Block in the large areas of color, starting with the sky and background elements.
step 04
Develop the details of the architecture, paying attention to the brickwork and the play of light and shadow.
step 05
Begin working on the figure, focusing on the face and hands.
step 06
Refine the details of the clothing, creating folds and highlights to suggest form.
step 07
Add the final details, such as the book and quill, and adjust the overall color and value balance.
step 08
Glaze with thin layers to unify the painting and add depth.

color palette

primary · ivory black · raw umber · yellow ochre · titanium white

secondary · burnt sienna · ultramarine blue · cadmium yellow

Achieve the muted tones by mixing earth tones with white and small amounts of blue or yellow. Use glazes of burnt sienna to create warmth in the architecture.

techniques