plate no. 1136

St. Andrew

oilTenebrismreligious paintingfiguremanbeardreligiouslightshadow

some experience helpful

Recreating this painting will help students develop skills in dramatic lighting (chiaroscuro) and rendering human anatomy in a limited color palette. It also provides practice in creating a focal point through the use of light and shadow.

technical profile

palette complexity

brushwork visibility

value contrast

compositional simplicity

study guide

est. 15 hrs

approach — 8 steps

step 01
Sketch the basic composition, focusing on the placement of the figure and the cross.
step 02
Establish the darkest areas of the background with a thin wash of burnt umber.
step 03
Block in the main areas of light on the figure, using a mix of yellow ochre and white.
step 04
Begin to refine the form of the figure, adding mid-tones and shadows to create depth.
step 05
Pay close attention to the highlights on the face and hands, using small, precise brushstrokes.
step 06
Develop the texture of the beard using dry brush techniques.
step 07
Refine the details of the cross, paying attention to the way the light falls on it.
step 08
Add final glazes to unify the painting and enhance the shadows.

color palette

primary · burnt umber · yellow ochre · titanium white

secondary · raw sienna · ivory black

Mix yellow ochre and white for the highlights on the skin. Use burnt umber and ivory black to create the deep shadows. Raw sienna can be used to add warmth to the mid-tones.

techniques