plate no. 6120

St. Catherine of Siena

Eleanor Fortescue-Brickdale, 1919

oilRomanticismillustrationfigureslandscapearchitecturerobesnuncityscape

some experience helpful

Recreating this painting will help students develop skills in figure painting, drapery, and atmospheric perspective. It also provides practice in rendering different textures, such as fabric, stone, and foliage.

technical profile

palette complexity

brushwork visibility

value contrast

compositional simplicity

study guide

est. 15 hrs

approach — 8 steps

step 01
Begin with a light sketch to establish the composition and proportions of the figures and landscape.
step 02
Block in the main shapes of the figures and background with thin washes of color.
step 03
Develop the values and details of the figures, paying attention to the folds and shadows in the robes.
step 04
Add details to the landscape, gradually building up the layers of color and texture.
step 05
Refine the details of the architecture, such as the buildings and towers.
step 06
Pay attention to the atmospheric perspective, making the distant objects lighter and less detailed.
step 07
Add highlights and shadows to create depth and dimension.
step 08
Make final adjustments to the colors and values to achieve a harmonious effect.

color palette

primary · cadmium red · ivory black · titanium white

secondary · yellow ochre · ultramarine blue · raw umber

Mix various shades of red by adding white, yellow ochre, or raw umber to cadmium red. Create muted greens for the landscape by mixing yellow ochre, ultramarine blue, and a touch of raw umber.

techniques