plate no. 5114

Sainte Madeleine

oilBaroquereligious paintingfigureportraitskulldraperyhairreligious

experienced study

Recreating this painting will help students develop skills in portraiture, including capturing likeness and rendering realistic skin tones, as well as understanding light and shadow on complex forms like drapery and hair.

technical profile

palette complexity

brushwork visibility

value contrast

compositional simplicity

study guide

est. 20 hrs

approach — 8 steps

step 01
Create a preliminary sketch outlining the basic composition and proportions of the figure, skull, and drapery.
step 02
Establish the background with a dark, muted tone.
step 03
Block in the main shapes of the figure, focusing on accurate proportions and placement.
step 04
Begin layering in skin tones, starting with mid-tones and gradually adding highlights and shadows.
step 05
Develop the drapery, paying attention to the folds and how light interacts with the fabric.
step 06
Paint the skull, focusing on its intricate details and the way light reflects off its surface.
step 07
Refine the hair, adding individual strands and highlights to create a sense of volume and texture.
step 08
Add final details and glazes to enhance the overall realism and depth of the painting.

color palette

primary · titanium white · ivory black · raw umber · burnt sienna

secondary · cadmium red light · yellow ochre

Achieve skin tones by mixing white, red, yellow ochre, and a touch of umber. Create the drapery color by mixing black and white with a hint of blue or purple. Use glazes of burnt sienna and umber to add depth and warmth to the skull.

techniques