plate no. 9380

Santa Gertrudis

oilBaroquereligious paintingfigurenunbookreligioushalotable

experienced study

Recreating this painting will help students understand chiaroscuro and how to create depth using subtle value changes. It also provides practice in painting realistic skin tones and textures.

technical profile

palette complexity

brushwork visibility

value contrast

compositional simplicity

study guide

est. 25 hrs

approach — 8 steps

step 01
Create a preliminary sketch outlining the main shapes and composition.
step 02
Establish the dark background using thin layers of dark brown and black.
step 03
Block in the basic shapes of the figure, book, and other objects with corresponding mid-tone colors.
step 04
Begin layering highlights and shadows on the face and hands, focusing on smooth transitions.
step 05
Paint the white habit, paying attention to the subtle folds and shadows.
step 06
Add details to the book, including the text and aged paper texture.
step 07
Paint the figure of the child, focusing on accurate proportions and skin tones.
step 08
Refine details and add final highlights to create a sense of realism.

color palette

primary · ivory black · titanium white · burnt umber

secondary · cadmium red · yellow ochre · raw sienna

Mix ivory black and burnt umber for the dark background. Create skin tones by mixing titanium white, yellow ochre, and a touch of cadmium red. Use raw sienna and burnt umber for the book's aged look.

techniques