plate no. 9102
St. Michael and the Dragon
Antonio del Pollaiolo, 1470
experienced study
Recreating this painting will help students develop skills in figure drawing, rendering metallic surfaces, and creating a sense of depth through atmospheric perspective. It also provides practice in depicting complex textures and patterns.
technical profile
palette complexity
4
brushwork visibility
3
value contrast
4
compositional simplicity
3
study guide
est. 25 hrsapproach — 8 steps
- step 01
Create a preliminary sketch outlining the main figures and their poses.
- step 02
Establish the background landscape with light washes of color.
- step 03
Block in the basic shapes and values of the angel and the dragon.
- step 04
Begin refining the details of the angel's armor and clothing.
- step 05
Add details to the dragon, focusing on texture and scales.
- step 06
Develop the highlights and shadows to create form and depth.
- step 07
Refine the facial features and add final details to the background.
- step 08
Glaze to unify the colors and add depth.
color palette
primary · ultramarine blue · raw umber · yellow ochre · titanium white
secondary · burnt sienna · ivory black · cadmium red light
Achieve the muted tones by mixing earth pigments with white and small amounts of blue. Use glazes of burnt sienna and umber to create depth in shadows.
techniques
- ·glazing
- ·scumbling
- ·dry brushing
- ·atmospheric perspective
- ·rendering metal
common pitfalls
- →overworking the details too early
- →inaccurate proportions of the figures
- →muddying the colors with excessive mixing
- →failing to establish a clear light source
materials
surface · stretched canvas
required
- ·stretched canvas
- ·gesso
- ·raw umber oil paint
- ·ultramarine blue oil paint
- ·yellow ochre oil paint
- ·titanium white oil paint
- ·round brushes (sizes 2, 4, 6)
- ·linseed oil
optional
- ·palette knife
- ·medium gloss
- ·burnt sienna oil paint
- ·ivory black oil paint
Prepare the canvas with several layers of gesso for a smooth surface. Use high-quality oil paints for best results.
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