plate no. 5090
St. Jerome
Matthias Stom, 1650
experienced study
This painting provides an opportunity to study dramatic lighting and rendering of human anatomy. Students can practice creating depth and form through careful value gradations.
technical profile
palette complexity
4
brushwork visibility
3
value contrast
5
compositional simplicity
3
study guide
est. 25 hrsapproach — 8 steps
- step 01
Create a preliminary sketch outlining the composition and proportions.
- step 02
Establish the darkest shadows and lightest highlights using a limited palette.
- step 03
Block in the main shapes and forms with broad strokes.
- step 04
Develop the mid-tones and begin blending to create smooth transitions.
- step 05
Refine the details of the face, hands, and other key elements.
- step 06
Add texture to the beard, book, and robe using dry brush techniques.
- step 07
Adjust the overall values and contrast to enhance the dramatic effect.
- step 08
Add final highlights and details.
color palette
primary · burnt umber · raw sienna · titanium white
secondary · cadmium red · ivory black
Mix burnt umber and raw sienna with varying amounts of white to create the skin tones. Use cadmium red to create the red robe, muted with burnt umber and black for shadows.
techniques
- ·chiaroscuro
- ·glazing
- ·dry brushing
- ·blending
- ·underpainting
common pitfalls
- →Overblending, resulting in a loss of form and texture.
- →Inaccurate proportions in the initial sketch.
- →Failing to establish a strong value structure.
- →Getting lost in details too early.
materials
surface · stretched canvas
required
- ·stretched canvas
- ·burnt umber oil paint
- ·raw sienna oil paint
- ·titanium white oil paint
- ·cadmium red oil paint
- ·ivory black oil paint
- ·round brushes (various sizes)
- ·linseed oil
optional
- ·palette knife
- ·turpentine
- ·retouch varnish
Use a medium-grit canvas for better texture. Consider using a toned canvas to speed up the underpainting process.
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