Scene from the Life of Saint Benedict

approach — 8 steps

color palette

primary · ivory black · yellow ochre · titanium white

secondary · raw umber · cadmium red light · cerulean blue

Mix shades of black with umber and a touch of blue to avoid a flat, lifeless black. Use white and yellow ochre to create the angel's dress, adding small amounts of red for warmth. Mix greens for the landscape by combining blue, yellow, and umber.

techniques

• ·chiaroscuro
• ·glazing
• ·atmospheric perspective
• ·drapery rendering
• ·figure drawing

common pitfalls

• →Using too much black, resulting in a flat and lifeless appearance.
• →Failing to create a sense of depth in the landscape.
• →Overworking the details, resulting in a stiff and unnatural appearance.
• →Inaccurate proportions in the figures.