plate no. 4733

St. Thomas

oil, canvasTenebrismreligious paintingfiguresaintbeardweaponold manrobe

some experience helpful

This painting provides an opportunity to practice chiaroscuro and rendering realistic skin tones in dramatic lighting. Students can also learn to depict textures like fabric and metal using subtle variations in value and color.

technical profile

palette complexity

brushwork visibility

value contrast

compositional simplicity

study guide

est. 20 hrs

approach — 8 steps

step 01
Create a preliminary sketch outlining the basic shapes and proportions of the figure, weapon, and drapery.
step 02
Establish the darkest areas of the painting with a dark brown or black underpainting.
step 03
Begin layering in the mid-tones, focusing on the areas of the face, hands, and robe that are illuminated by the light source.
step 04
Carefully build up the highlights, paying attention to the subtle gradations of light and shadow on the skin and metal.
step 05
Refine the details of the face, hands, and weapon, adding texture and definition.
step 06
Adjust the overall value range to create a sense of depth and drama.
step 07
Glaze thin layers of color to unify the painting and enhance the richness of the tones.
step 08
Add final highlights and details to complete the painting.

color palette

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

secondary · yellow ochre · red oxide

Mix various shades of brown and ochre by combining burnt umber, raw sienna, yellow ochre, and white. Use red oxide sparingly to add warmth to the skin tones. Achieve the metallic sheen of the weapon by mixing white with a touch of black and blue.

techniques

·chiaroscuro
·glazing
·scumbling
·dry brushing
·value studies

common pitfalls

→Overworking the details too early
→Failing to establish a strong value structure
→Using too much color and losing the tonal harmony
→Ignoring the subtle gradations of light and shadow

materials

surface · stretched canvas

required

·Stretched canvas (16x20 inches)
·Oil paints (burnt umber, raw sienna, ivory black, titanium white, yellow ochre, red oxide)
·Palette
·Assorted brushes (round and flat)
·Linseed oil
·Odorless mineral spirits
·Palette knife
·Rags