plate no. 4485

St Bonaventure Enters the Franciscan Order

oilBaroquereligious paintingfiguresmonksreligious sceneinteriorrobesarchitecture

experienced study

Recreating this painting will help students develop skills in rendering figures in complex compositions and understanding value relationships to create depth and form. It also provides practice in depicting fabric and textures using visible brushstrokes.

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 outlining the main figures and architectural elements, focusing on proportions and placement.
step 02
Establish the overall value structure by blocking in the dark areas with a thin wash of burnt umber or a similar dark brown.
step 03
Gradually build up the mid-tones and highlights on the figures, paying attention to the direction of light.
step 04
Develop the details of the faces, focusing on capturing the individual expressions and characteristics.
step 05
Render the folds and textures of the robes, using visible brushstrokes to create a sense of depth and volume.
step 06
Add the architectural details in the background, keeping them subdued and less defined than the figures.
step 07
Refine the overall composition by adjusting the values and adding subtle color variations.
step 08
Add final details like the flowers and chain on the floor.

color palette

primary · burnt umber · raw umber · ivory black · titanium white

secondary · yellow ochre · raw sienna · cadmium red light

Achieve the various shades of brown and gray by mixing burnt umber, raw umber, ivory black, and titanium white. Use small amounts of yellow ochre and cadmium red to add warmth to the skin tones and robes.

techniques

·chiaroscuro
·glazing
·scumbling
·dry brushing
·figure drawing

common pitfalls

→Overworking the details too early in the process.
→Failing to establish a strong value structure.
→Creating flat, lifeless figures by neglecting the subtle variations in tone.
→Getting lost in the details and losing sight of the overall composition.

materials

surface · stretched canvas

required

·stretched canvas 18x24
·burnt umber oil paint
·raw umber oil paint
·ivory black oil paint
·titanium white oil paint
·round brushes (sizes 2, 4, 6)
·flat brushes (sizes 4, 8)
·linseed oil

optional

·palette knife
·medium gloss
·odorless mineral spirits

Use a canvas with a smooth surface to allow for easy blending and glazing. Consider using a toned canvas to establish a mid-tone value from the start.

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