plate no. 5948
St Augustine
some experience helpful
Recreating this painting will help students develop skills in chiaroscuro and portraiture, focusing on rendering textures and subtle gradations of light and shadow to create depth and form.
technical profile
palette complexity
3
brushwork visibility
4
value contrast
4
compositional simplicity
4
study guide
est. 15 hrsapproach — 8 steps
- step 01
Sketch the basic shapes and proportions of the figure, hat, and staff.
- step 02
Establish the overall value structure with a thin wash of burnt umber.
- step 03
Block in the main areas of light and shadow, focusing on the face and hat.
- step 04
Begin layering colors, starting with the darker tones and gradually adding highlights.
- step 05
Refine the details of the face, paying attention to the subtle transitions in value and color.
- step 06
Add texture to the beard, hat, and robe using dry brush techniques.
- step 07
Adjust the overall composition and value contrast to create a sense of depth and drama.
- step 08
Add final highlights and details to complete the painting.
color palette
primary · burnt umber · raw sienna · ivory black
secondary · yellow ochre · titanium white · cadmium red light
Achieve the skin tones by mixing burnt umber, raw sienna, and a touch of cadmium red light, lightened with titanium white. Use yellow ochre and titanium white for the hat, and ivory black for the dark areas of the robe and background.
techniques
- ·chiaroscuro
- ·glazing
- ·dry brush
- ·portraiture
- ·value studies
common pitfalls
- →Overworking the details too early.
- →Failing to establish a strong value structure.
- →Using colors that are too saturated.
- →Ignoring the subtle transitions in value and color.
materials
surface · stretched canvas
required
- ·stretched canvas
- ·burnt umber oil paint
- ·raw sienna oil paint
- ·ivory black oil paint
- ·yellow ochre oil paint
- ·titanium white oil paint
- ·assorted brushes (round and flat)
optional
- ·palette knife
- ·linseed oil
- ·turpentine
- ·medium gloss
Use a canvas with a smooth surface to facilitate blending and glazing. Consider using a toned canvas to establish a mid-tone value.
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