plate no. 9719
Santo Tomás De Villanueva Dando Limosna (after Murillo)
Antonio Cabral Bejarano, 1860
experienced study
Recreating this painting will help students develop skills in figure drawing, rendering skin tones, and creating depth through atmospheric perspective. It also provides practice in composing a complex scene with multiple figures.
technical profile
palette complexity
4
brushwork visibility
3
value contrast
4
compositional simplicity
2
study guide
est. 30 hrsapproach — 8 steps
- step 01
Create a rough sketch to establish the composition and placement of figures.
- step 02
Block in the main shapes and values using thin washes of color.
- step 03
Begin refining the figures, focusing on accurate proportions and anatomy.
- step 04
Develop the skin tones using layers of glazing and scumbling.
- step 05
Add details to the clothing and architectural elements.
- step 06
Pay attention to the light source and create highlights and shadows accordingly.
- step 07
Refine the background and create atmospheric perspective by softening edges and reducing contrast.
- step 08
Add final details and highlights to complete the painting.
color palette
primary · burnt umber · raw sienna · ivory black · titanium white
secondary · cadmium red · yellow ochre
Achieve skin tones by mixing burnt umber, raw sienna, and titanium white, with small amounts of cadmium red for warmth. Use ivory black to darken shadows and create depth.
techniques
- ·glazing
- ·scumbling
- ·chiaroscuro
- ·atmospheric perspective
- ·figure drawing
common pitfalls
- →Incorrect proportions of figures
- →Overly harsh or flat lighting
- →Neglecting atmospheric perspective
- →Getting lost in details too early
- →Muddy colors due to overmixing
materials
surface · stretched canvas
required
- ·Stretched canvas (18x24 inches)
- ·Oil paints (burnt umber, raw sienna, ivory black, titanium white, cadmium red, yellow ochre)
- ·Linseed oil
- ·Odorless mineral spirits
- ·Assorted brushes (round, flat, filbert)
- ·Palette
- ·Palette knife
- ·Rags
optional
- ·Medium gloss
- ·Retouch varnish
- ·Easel
Use high-quality oil paints for best results. Allow each layer to dry before applying the next.
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