plate no. 0737

St. Francis and St. Clare of Assisi in adoration of the Infant Christ

oilBaroquereligious paintingfiguresbabycavereligiouslightshadow

experienced study

This painting provides an opportunity to practice chiaroscuro and rendering figures in dramatic lighting. Students will learn to create depth and form using value contrasts.

technical profile

palette complexity

brushwork visibility

value contrast

compositional simplicity

study guide

est. 20 hrs

approach — 8 steps

step 01
Sketch the basic composition, focusing on the placement of the figures and the light source.
step 02
Block in the darkest areas of the cave and the figures' clothing with a dark brown or black.
step 03
Establish the main light source and begin layering in highlights on the figures and the baby.
step 04
Mix skin tones using white, yellow ochre, and a touch of red, and apply them to the figures' faces and hands.
step 05
Add details to the baby's face and body, paying attention to the subtle shifts in value.
step 06
Refine the details of the clothing and the surrounding cave, adding texture and depth.
step 07
Glaze over the dark areas to deepen the shadows and create a sense of atmosphere.
step 08
Add final highlights and details to complete the painting.

color palette

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

secondary · burnt sienna · cadmium red light

Mix dark browns by combining raw umber and ivory black. Achieve skin tones by mixing yellow ochre, titanium white, and a touch of cadmium red light. Use burnt sienna to add warmth to shadows.

techniques