plate no. 1013

Sts Michael and John Gualbert

wood, temperaMannerism (Late Renaissance)religious paintingfiguresangelsaintreligiousarmorsword

experienced study

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

technical profile

palette complexity

brushwork visibility

value contrast

compositional simplicity

study guide

est. 30 hrs

approach — 8 steps

step 01
Create a preliminary sketch outlining the composition and proportions of the figures.
step 02
Establish the background with a thin wash of muted blues and grays.
step 03
Block in the basic shapes and colors of the figures, focusing on accurate proportions and anatomical details.
step 04
Develop the drapery folds and shadows, paying attention to the way light interacts with the fabric.
step 05
Render the faces and hands, focusing on capturing the expressions and subtle details.
step 06
Paint the armor and metallic elements, using highlights and shadows to create a sense of realism.
step 07
Add details such as the sword, scales, and other accessories.
step 08
Refine the overall painting, adjusting values and colors as needed to create a cohesive and harmonious image.

color palette

primary · ochre · burnt umber · titanium white · cadmium red

secondary · ultramarine blue · ivory black · yellow ochre

Achieve the subtle skin tones by mixing ochre, burnt umber, and titanium white. Use ultramarine blue and ivory black to create the cool grays for the armor. Mix cadmium red with burnt umber for the reds in the clothing.

techniques