plate no. 4637

St. Augustine Altarpiece (right wing)

oilHigh Renaissancereligious paintingfiguresreligiousrobeshalobookslandscape

experienced study

Recreating this painting will help students develop skills in figure drawing, drapery rendering, and creating subtle gradations of light and shadow to model form. It also offers practice in capturing 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
Begin with a light sketch to establish the overall composition and placement of the figures.
step 02
Block in the main shapes and colors of the background, figures, and drapery.
step 03
Start refining the values and adding details to the faces, hands, and other focal points.
step 04
Carefully blend the colors to create smooth transitions and realistic skin tones.
step 05
Add highlights and shadows to define the folds and textures of the drapery.
step 06
Work on the details of the clothing, books, and other objects.
step 07
Refine the background and add any final details.
step 08
Glaze with thin layers of color to unify the painting and enhance the depth.

color palette

primary · red · black · white · gold

secondary · blue · brown · grey

Achieve the rich reds by mixing a crimson with a touch of brown. Create the dark tones by combining black with burnt umber and a hint of blue. Mix the skin tones using white, yellow ochre, and a touch of red and brown.

techniques