plate no. 5015

St. Jerome

oil, canvasBaroquereligious paintingfigurebookcrucifixcavebeardred robe

experienced study

Recreating this painting will help students develop skills in chiaroscuro, anatomical rendering, and creating a dramatic mood through light and shadow. It also provides practice in rendering textures like skin, fabric, and paper.

technical profile

palette complexity

brushwork visibility

value contrast

compositional simplicity

study guide

est. 20 hrs

approach — 8 steps

step 01
Create a rough sketch outlining the main shapes: figure, book, crucifix, and cave opening.
step 02
Establish the dark background using a mix of browns and blacks.
step 03
Block in the main areas of light on the figure, book, and cave opening with lighter tones.
step 04
Begin refining the figure's anatomy, paying close attention to the light and shadow on the skin.
step 05
Develop the details of the book, including the pages and binding.
step 06
Add the crucifix in the background, keeping it subtle and dark.
step 07
Refine the details of the red robe, adding folds and highlights.
step 08
Add final highlights and shadows to enhance the dramatic effect.

color palette

primary · burnt umber · raw sienna · titanium white

secondary · cadmium red · ivory black

Achieve the skin tones by mixing burnt umber, raw sienna, and titanium white. Use cadmium red mixed with burnt umber to create the red robe. Darken colors with ivory black.

techniques