plate no. 2368
St Francis of Assisi Preaching to the Fish
some experience helpful
Recreating this painting will help students develop skills in atmospheric perspective and rendering figures in a landscape setting. It also provides practice in creating subtle color gradations to depict the sky and water.
technical profile
palette complexity
3
brushwork visibility
3
value contrast
3
compositional simplicity
2
study guide
est. 15 hrsapproach — 8 steps
- step 01
Sketch the basic composition, focusing on the placement of the figures, landscape elements, and horizon line.
- step 02
Establish the overall value structure with a thin wash of burnt umber or a similar earth tone.
- step 03
Block in the sky with a gradient of yellows, oranges, and blues, blending smoothly.
- step 04
Paint the distant hills and mountains, using muted colors and soft edges to create atmospheric perspective.
- step 05
Add the water, reflecting the colors of the sky and surrounding landscape.
- step 06
Begin painting the figures, starting with the central figure of St. Francis and working outwards.
- step 07
Add details to the figures, such as clothing folds and facial features.
- step 08
Paint the fish in the water, using small brushstrokes and varying colors to create a sense of movement.
color palette
primary · yellow ochre · burnt umber · ultramarine blue
secondary · raw sienna · titanium white · cadmium orange
Mix various earth tones with white to create the subtle gradations in the sky and landscape. Use ultramarine blue and burnt umber to create dark shadows.
techniques
- ·glazing
- ·atmospheric perspective
- ·figure drawing
- ·blending
- ·scumbling
common pitfalls
- →Failing to establish a clear value structure early on.
- →Overworking the details and losing the overall atmospheric effect.
- →Making the colors too saturated and unrealistic.
- →Incorrect proportions of the figures.
materials
surface · stretched canvas
required
- ·stretched canvas
- ·acrylic or oil paints
- ·round brushes (sizes 2, 4, 6)
- ·flat brushes (sizes 8, 10)
- ·palette
- ·palette knife
- ·linseed oil or acrylic medium
- ·mineral spirits or water (depending on paint type)
optional
- ·easel
- ·painting medium
- ·varnish
Use a medium-grain canvas for best results. Consider using a limited palette of earth tones and a few bright colors to capture the painting's muted atmosphere.
tips & new artworks in your inbox
no spam — unsubscribe anytime.
or to save artworks, chat, and track progress
