plate no. 2606

San Juan Evangelista

oilMannerism (Late Renaissance)religious paintingfiguresaintrobechaliceeaglelandscape

some experience helpful

Recreating this painting will help students develop skills in figure drawing, drapery rendering, and creating a sense of depth through atmospheric perspective. It also offers practice in capturing subtle color variations in skin tones and fabrics.

technical profile

palette complexity

brushwork visibility

value contrast

compositional simplicity

study guide

est. 25 hrs

approach — 8 steps

step 01
Lightly sketch the basic figure proportions and pose on the canvas.
step 02
Establish the main shapes of the robe, cloak, and eagle.
step 03
Block in the background landscape with diluted paint.
step 04
Begin layering the skin tones, starting with mid-tones and adding highlights and shadows.
step 05
Develop the drapery folds in the robe and cloak, paying attention to light and shadow.
step 06
Paint the eagle, focusing on its texture and details.
step 07
Add the chalice and the snake, paying attention to the reflections and highlights.
step 08
Refine the details and blend the colors to create a smooth finish.

color palette

primary · titanium white · cadmium red · yellow ochre · ivory black

secondary · ultramarine blue · burnt umber · raw sienna

Mix skin tones using white, yellow ochre, and a touch of red and umber. Achieve the red cloak by mixing cadmium red with a touch of burnt umber for shadows. Create the background with mixtures of blue, white, and umber.

techniques