plate no. 8317

St. Bruno

oil, canvasBaroquereligious paintingfigureskullbookcrossreligiousrobe

experienced study

Recreating this painting will help students develop skills in portraiture, rendering drapery, and creating a sense of depth through chiaroscuro. It also provides practice in depicting complex textures like aged skin and bone.

technical profile

palette complexity

brushwork visibility

value contrast

compositional simplicity

study guide

est. 25 hrs

approach — 8 steps

step 01
Sketch the basic composition, focusing on the placement of the figure, skull, and cross.
step 02
Establish the main light source and block in the large areas of light and shadow.
step 03
Begin refining the figure's face, paying attention to the subtle variations in skin tone.
step 04
Develop the drapery of the robe, using highlights and shadows to create a sense of volume.
step 05
Render the skull and book, focusing on accurate proportions and textures.
step 06
Add details to the cross and the scroll, paying attention to the lettering.
step 07
Refine the background, using soft, blended brushstrokes to create depth.
step 08
Add final highlights and shadows to enhance the overall sense of realism.

color palette

primary · ivory black · raw umber · titanium white · yellow ochre

secondary · burnt sienna · ultramarine blue

Achieve the skin tones by mixing white, yellow ochre, and a touch of burnt sienna. Use ivory black and raw umber to create the shadows. Mix ultramarine blue with raw umber to create the darker background tones.

techniques