plate no. 7471
The Assumption of the Virgin
experienced study
Recreating this painting will help students develop skills in figure painting, particularly drapery and facial expressions, as well as landscape painting with atmospheric perspective.
technical profile
palette complexity
4
brushwork visibility
3
value contrast
4
compositional simplicity
2
study guide
est. 30 hrsapproach — 8 steps
- step 01
Create a preliminary sketch outlining the main figures and landscape elements.
- step 02
Block in the main shapes and colors of the background landscape, focusing on atmospheric perspective.
- step 03
Paint the figures in the foreground, starting with the underpainting and gradually adding details.
- step 04
Develop the drapery of the Virgin Mary's robe, paying attention to the folds and shadows.
- step 05
Paint the angels, focusing on their delicate features and wings.
- step 06
Add details to the faces and hands of the figures.
- step 07
Refine the details of the cityscape and landscape.
- step 08
Add final highlights and shadows to create depth and dimension.
color palette
primary · ultramarine blue · yellow ochre · ivory black · vermilion
secondary · raw umber · titanium white · cadmium yellow light
Mix various shades of blue and gray for the sky and distant landscape. Use ochre and umber for the earth tones. Mix red and white for the angels' robes.
techniques
- ·glazing
- ·scumbling
- ·atmospheric perspective
- ·figure drawing
- ·drapery study
common pitfalls
- →getting the proportions of the figures wrong
- →overworking the details
- →failing to create a sense of depth
- →using colors that are too saturated
materials
surface · stretched canvas
required
- ·stretched canvas
- ·oil paints
- ·assorted brushes (small round, flat)
- ·palette
- ·linseed oil
- ·turpentine
- ·palette knife
optional
- ·medium gloss
- ·retouch varnish
- ·easel
Use high-quality oil paints for best results. Allow each layer to dry before applying the next.
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