plate no. 7959

The Archangel Michael

oilBaroquereligious paintingangelarmorshieldwingsfigurereligious

experienced study

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

technical profile

palette complexity

brushwork visibility

value contrast

compositional simplicity

study guide

est. 30 hrs

approach — 8 steps

step 01
Sketch the basic figure and major elements (wings, shield, etc.) using light pencil lines.
step 02
Establish the background with a dark, muted tone.
step 03
Block in the main colors of the figure: skin tones, red drapery, and metallic armor.
step 04
Begin refining the shapes and values of the armor, paying attention to highlights and shadows.
step 05
Work on the drapery, adding folds and details to create a sense of volume.
step 06
Paint the wings, using soft, blended strokes to create a feathery texture.
step 07
Add details to the face, shield, and other elements, using fine brushes.
step 08
Glaze with thin layers of color to unify the painting and enhance the depth.

color palette

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

secondary · ivory black · ultramarine blue · gold

Mix various shades of red by combining cadmium red with burnt umber and titanium white. Achieve metallic tones by blending yellow ochre, burnt umber, and titanium white, using glazes to create highlights and shadows.

techniques