plate no. 7984

St Damian

oilBaroquereligious paintingfigureangelcloudsdraperyreligiouscherub

some experience helpful

Recreating this painting will help students develop skills in portraiture, including capturing facial expressions and rendering realistic skin tones, as well as understanding the use of chiaroscuro to create depth and drama.

technical profile

palette complexity

brushwork visibility

value contrast

compositional simplicity

study guide

est. 20 hrs

approach — 8 steps

step 01
Begin with a light sketch outlining the main figures and composition.
step 02
Establish the background with broad, blended strokes of muted blues and browns.
step 03
Block in the main shapes of the figures with base colors, paying attention to proportions.
step 04
Start building up the values in the face and hands, focusing on light and shadow.
step 05
Develop the drapery with layers of color, creating folds and highlights.
step 06
Add details to the angel and wreath, softening edges for a ethereal feel.
step 07
Refine the facial features and details of the box, adding highlights and shadows.
step 08
Glaze with thin layers to unify the colors and create depth.

color palette

primary · raw umber · titanium white · cadmium red light · yellow ochre

secondary · ultramarine blue · burnt sienna · sap green

Achieve skin tones by mixing titanium white, yellow ochre, and cadmium red light. Use raw umber and ultramarine blue for shadows. Muted greens can be achieved by mixing yellow ochre, ultramarine blue, and a touch of burnt sienna.

techniques