plate no. 0291

St. Simon

oil, canvasTenebrismreligious paintingfigureportraitreligious figurebeardstaffclothing

some experience helpful

Recreating this painting will help students understand dramatic lighting and how to create form using value. It will also develop skills in portraiture and rendering textures like skin and fabric.

technical profile

palette complexity

brushwork visibility

value contrast

compositional simplicity

study guide

est. 15 hrs

approach — 8 steps

step 01
Sketch the basic composition, focusing on the placement of the figure and the staff.
step 02
Establish the dark background with a thin wash of dark brown or black.
step 03
Block in the main areas of light and shadow on the figure's face, hands, and clothing using a limited palette.
step 04
Gradually build up the highlights and shadows, paying attention to the subtle transitions between values.
step 05
Refine the details of the face, including the eyes, nose, and mouth, using small brushes.
step 06
Add texture to the beard and hair using dry brush techniques.
step 07
Adjust the overall values and contrast to create a sense of depth and drama.
step 08
Add final details and highlights to complete the painting.

color palette

primary · burnt umber · raw sienna · ivory black · titanium white

secondary · yellow ochre · cadmium yellow light

Mix burnt umber and ivory black for the dark areas. Use raw sienna and titanium white for highlights, adding small amounts of yellow ochre for warmth. Use thin glazes of burnt umber to create shadows.

techniques

·chiaroscuro
·glazing
·dry brushing
·value study
·portraiture

common pitfalls

→Failing to establish a strong value structure early on.
→Overworking the details before establishing the overall form.
→Using too much color and losing the tonal harmony.
→Not paying enough attention to the subtle transitions between light and shadow.