plate no. 0661
St. Nicholas of Tolentino
Pietro Perugino, 1507
some experience helpful
This painting provides an opportunity to practice portraiture, including rendering realistic skin tones and drapery. Students can also learn about creating depth through subtle value changes and atmospheric perspective.
technical profile
palette complexity
3
brushwork visibility
2
value contrast
3
compositional simplicity
4
study guide
est. 15 hrsapproach — 8 steps
- step 01
Create a light sketch outlining the basic shapes and proportions of the figure, book, and background.
- step 02
Establish the background colors, focusing on the subtle gradations in the architectural elements.
- step 03
Block in the main colors of the robe, paying attention to the folds and shadows.
- step 04
Begin layering the skin tones, starting with mid-tones and gradually adding highlights and shadows.
- step 05
Paint the book, carefully rendering the text and details.
- step 06
Add the flowers and any other small details.
- step 07
Refine the edges and blend the colors to create a smooth, realistic finish.
- step 08
Add final highlights and shadows to enhance the sense of depth and form.
color palette
primary · ivory black · raw umber · yellow ochre · titanium white
secondary · burnt sienna · cadmium yellow light · ultramarine blue
Mix skin tones by blending yellow ochre, burnt sienna, and titanium white. Use ivory black and raw umber to create the dark tones in the robe. Add small amounts of ultramarine blue to darken shadows.
techniques
- ·portraiture
- ·glazing
- ·chiaroscuro
- ·blending
- ·drapery
common pitfalls
- →Overmixing colors, resulting in muddy tones.
- →Failing to accurately capture the proportions of the figure.
- →Ignoring the subtle value changes that create depth.
- →Using too much paint, which can obscure the details.
materials
surface · stretched canvas
required
- ·stretched canvas
- ·ivory black oil paint
- ·raw umber oil paint
- ·yellow ochre oil paint
- ·burnt sienna oil paint
- ·titanium white oil paint
- ·round brushes (various sizes)
- ·linseed oil
optional
- ·palette knife
- ·medium gloss
- ·painting easel
Use high-quality oil paints for best results. Consider using a medium to thin the paint and improve flow.
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