plate no. 8112

St. Thomas of Villanueva Distributing Alms

oil, canvasBaroquereligious paintingfiguresbuildingskyrobesarchitecturecrowd

some experience helpful

This painting provides an opportunity to practice chiaroscuro and rendering figures in dramatic lighting. Students can learn to create depth using atmospheric perspective and subtle color variations.

technical profile

palette complexity

brushwork visibility

value contrast

compositional simplicity

study guide

est. 15 hrs

approach — 8 steps

step 01
Begin with a light sketch outlining the main figures and architectural elements.
step 02
Establish the dark background and shadows using a thin wash of burnt umber and black.
step 03
Block in the main figures with mid-tone values, focusing on accurate proportions.
step 04
Start building up the highlights on the figures, especially on the faces and hands.
step 05
Develop the architectural details in the background, using lighter values for distant elements.
step 06
Refine the folds and textures of the robes and clothing.
step 07
Add subtle color variations to the skin tones and fabrics.
step 08
Apply final highlights and details to create a sense of depth and realism.

color palette

primary · burnt umber · ivory black · titanium white · yellow ochre

secondary · raw sienna · cadmium red light · ultramarine blue

Mix various shades of brown and gray by combining burnt umber, ivory black, and titanium white. Use yellow ochre and cadmium red light sparingly to add warmth to the skin tones. Add ultramarine blue to darken shadows.

techniques