plate no. 8228
The Annunciation
Fra Angelico, 1440
experienced study
Students would develop skills in linear perspective with architectural elements and practice painting drapery folds with careful attention to color harmony and symbolic composition.
technical profile
palette complexity
3
brushwork visibility
2
value contrast
3
compositional simplicity
4
study guide
est. 25 hrsapproach — 8 steps
- step 01
Begin with careful drawing of architectural perspective using horizon line and vanishing points
- step 02
Block in the basic shapes of the two figures within the colonnade structure
- step 03
Establish the background areas with flat washes of appropriate colors
- step 04
Paint the architectural elements - columns, arches, and decorative details
- step 05
Work on the angel's pink and gold robes using careful color mixing
- step 06
Paint Mary's traditional blue and red garments with attention to fold structure
- step 07
Add the golden halos and fine details like facial features and hands
- step 08
Complete with final details such as the garden elements and decorative patterns
color palette
primary · ultramarine blue · cadmium red · raw umber · titanium white
secondary · yellow ochre · burnt sienna · sap green · cadmium yellow
Create rich purples by mixing ultramarine and cadmium red for the angel's robe, and mix warm flesh tones using white, yellow ochre, and a touch of red
techniques
- ·linear perspective
- ·glazing for rich colors
- ·careful brushwork for details
- ·color symbolism
- ·drapery painting
common pitfalls
- →rushing the perspective construction
- →making colors too bright or modern
- →neglecting the subtle modeling of forms
- →overworking the fine details too early
materials
surface · primed canvas or wood panel
required
- ·#2 round brush
- ·#6 flat brush
- ·#0 detail brush
- ·ultramarine blue oil paint
- ·cadmium red oil paint
- ·yellow ochre oil paint
- ·titanium white oil paint
- ·stretched canvas 16x20
optional
- ·palette knife for mixing
- ·glazing medium
- ·drawing pencils for initial sketch
- ·ruler for perspective
Traditional egg tempera technique can be simulated with careful oil painting and glazing methods
tips & new artworks in your inbox
no spam — unsubscribe anytime.
or to save artworks, chat, and track progress
related guides
in this vein
related artworks
Madonna Enthroned with Saints
Filippo Lippi
Christ the Judge (detali)
Fra Angelico
The Dead Christ Supported by an Angel
Antonello da Messina
St. Michael and St. John
Álvaro Pires de Évora
Penitent St. Jerome
Fra Angelico
The Madonna and Child with the Infant Saint John the Baptist
Sandro Botticelli
Coronation of the Virgin (detail)
Filippo Lippi
Adoration of the Child
Filippino Lippi