plate no. 0320
St. Anthony of Padua Stilling a Storm
Limbourg brothers, 1408
some experience helpful
Recreating this painting will help students develop skills in figure drawing, drapery, and creating a sense of depth through atmospheric perspective. The decorative elements on the pulpit also offer practice in detail work.
technical profile
palette complexity
3
brushwork visibility
2
value contrast
3
compositional simplicity
3
study guide
est. 15 hrsapproach — 8 steps
- step 01
Lightly sketch the main shapes: figures, pulpit, landscape elements.
- step 02
Establish the horizon line and basic perspective of the pulpit.
- step 03
Block in the main color areas for the sky, landscape, and figures using thin washes.
- step 04
Develop the details of the figures, paying attention to drapery folds and facial expressions.
- step 05
Add the decorative elements on the pulpit, using a fine brush.
- step 06
Create the storm effect with white dots and a dark demon figure.
- step 07
Refine the colors and values, adding highlights and shadows.
- step 08
Add final details and adjust the overall composition.
color palette
primary · brown · blue · yellow · green
secondary · red · white · grey
Mix browns from burnt umber and yellow ochre. Achieve muted tones by mixing complementary colors. Use white to lighten colors for highlights.
techniques
- ·glazing
- ·hatching
- ·dry brushing
- ·atmospheric perspective
- ·fine detail work
common pitfalls
- →overworking details early on
- →inaccurate proportions of figures
- →muddy colors
- →flatness in the landscape
materials
surface · watercolor paper 140lb
required
- ·watercolor paints or gouache
- ·round brushes (small and medium)
- ·fine detail brush
- ·watercolor paper
- ·palette
- ·water container
optional
- ·ruler
- ·masking fluid
- ·kneaded eraser
Use high-quality watercolor paper to prevent buckling. Gouache can be used for more opaque colors.
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