plate no. 1896
St. Jerome Penitent
Antonello da Messina, 1455
experienced study
Recreating this painting will help students develop skills in rendering complex drapery, creating depth through atmospheric perspective, and understanding the use of warm and cool colors to create form.
technical profile
palette complexity
3
brushwork visibility
3
value contrast
4
compositional simplicity
2
study guide
est. 25 hrsapproach — 8 steps
- step 01
Sketch the basic composition, focusing on the placement of the figure, rocks, and trees.
- step 02
Establish the overall value structure, blocking in the darks and lights.
- step 03
Begin layering in local colors, starting with the background and working forward.
- step 04
Develop the drapery of the red robe, paying attention to the folds and highlights.
- step 05
Refine the details of the figure, including the face and hands.
- step 06
Add details to the rocks and trees, creating texture and depth.
- step 07
Glaze to unify the colors and create a sense of atmosphere.
- step 08
Add final highlights and shadows to enhance the form.
color palette
primary · burnt sienna · raw umber · titanium white · cadmium red
secondary · ultramarine blue · yellow ochre · ivory black
Achieve the earthy tones by mixing burnt sienna, raw umber, and white. Use ultramarine blue to cool down the shadows. Mix cadmium red with burnt sienna and white for the robe.
techniques
- ·glazing
- ·scumbling
- ·atmospheric perspective
- ·drapery rendering
- ·chiaroscuro
common pitfalls
- →Overworking the details too early in the process.
- →Not establishing a strong value structure.
- →Failing to create a sense of depth.
- →Using colors that are too saturated.
materials
surface · stretched canvas
required
- ·stretched canvas
- ·burnt sienna oil paint
- ·raw umber oil paint
- ·cadmium red oil paint
- ·titanium white oil paint
- ·round brushes (sizes 2, 4, 6)
- ·linseed oil
- ·palette
optional
- ·palette knife
- ·medium gloss
- ·turpentine
Use high-quality oil paints for best results. A toned canvas can help to establish the value structure.
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