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home·artworks·Sts. Catherine, Hubert and Quirinus
Sts. Catherine, Hubert and Quirinus by Stefan Lochner

plate no. 4330

Sts. Catherine, Hubert and Quirinus

Stefan Lochner, 1445

oilInternational Gothicreligious paintingfiguresreligioussaintscrownsarmorrobes
experienced study

Recreating this painting will help students develop skills in figure drawing, drapery rendering, and creating a sense of depth through subtle value changes. It also provides practice in rendering metallic surfaces and intricate details.

technical profile

palette complexity
3
brushwork visibility
2
value contrast
3
compositional simplicity
3

study guide

est. 25 hrs

approach — 8 steps

  1. step 01

    Begin with a light sketch outlining the main figures and their relative positions.

  2. step 02

    Establish the background with a dark, even tone.

  3. step 03

    Block in the main colors of each figure's clothing and accessories.

  4. step 04

    Start building up the values within each color area, focusing on the folds and highlights in the drapery.

  5. step 05

    Add details like the crowns, jewelry, and armor, paying close attention to their reflective qualities.

  6. step 06

    Refine the facial features and hands, using subtle shading to create form.

  7. step 07

    Add the halos around the figures' heads using a light, translucent color.

  8. step 08

    Make final adjustments to the overall composition and values to create a cohesive image.

color palette

primary · red · green · brown · gold

secondary · pink · black · silver · yellow

Achieve the subtle pinks by mixing red with white. Create the greens by mixing blue and yellow with touches of brown. Use gold and silver metallic paints sparingly for highlights.

techniques

  • ·glazing
  • ·scumbling
  • ·underpainting
  • ·rendering drapery
  • ·portraiture

common pitfalls

  • →Overworking the details too early in the process.
  • →Creating harsh lines instead of soft transitions.
  • →Failing to establish a strong value structure.
  • →Inaccurate proportions of the figures.

materials

surface · stretched canvas

required

  • ·stretched canvas
  • ·oil paints (red, green, brown, gold, pink, black, silver, yellow, white)
  • ·assorted brushes (small round, medium flat)
  • ·linseed oil
  • ·palette
  • ·palette knife
  • ·rags
  • ·turpentine or mineral spirits

optional

  • ·medium gloss
  • ·retouch varnish
  • ·easel

Use high-quality oil paints for best results. Consider using a toned canvas to help establish the overall color harmony.

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