plate no. 5280
St. Cecilia (The Angels Announcing her Coming Martyrdom)
Gustave Moreau, 1897
experienced study
Recreating this painting will help students develop skills in layering colors to create depth and atmosphere, as well as rendering complex figures and drapery.
technical profile
palette complexity
4
brushwork visibility
4
value contrast
3
compositional simplicity
2
study guide
est. 30 hrsapproach — 8 steps
- step 01
Sketch the basic composition, focusing on the placement of the figures and architectural elements.
- step 02
Establish the background sky and water with broad washes of color.
- step 03
Block in the main colors of the architecture and figures, paying attention to the overall value structure.
- step 04
Begin layering colors to create depth and form in the figures and drapery.
- step 05
Add details to the architecture, such as the columns and arches.
- step 06
Refine the details of the figures, including the faces, hands, and wings.
- step 07
Add highlights and shadows to create contrast and dimension.
- step 08
Glaze with thin layers of color to unify the painting and create a sense of atmosphere.
color palette
primary · burnt umber · ultramarine blue · titanium white · cadmium red
secondary · yellow ochre · ivory black · viridian
Achieve the muted tones by mixing complementary colors and using thin glazes. Use white sparingly to maintain the richness of the colors.
techniques
- ·glazing
- ·scumbling
- ·layering
- ·dry brushing
- ·chiaroscuro
common pitfalls
- →Overworking the details too early in the process.
- →Using too much white, which can make the colors appear chalky.
- →Failing to establish a strong value structure.
- →Losing the overall sense of atmosphere and unity.
materials
surface · stretched canvas
required
- ·stretched canvas
- ·burnt umber oil paint
- ·ultramarine blue oil paint
- ·cadmium red oil paint
- ·titanium white oil paint
- ·round brushes (sizes 2, 4, 6)
- ·linseed oil
- ·turpentine
optional
- ·palette knife
- ·medium gloss
- ·retouch varnish
Use high-quality oil paints for best results. A medium-tooth canvas will provide a good surface for layering.
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