The Birth of the Virgin

approach — 8 steps

color palette

primary · raw umber · burnt sienna · ivory black

secondary · yellow ochre · cadmium red light · ultramarine blue

Achieve the muted tones by mixing earth pigments with small amounts of black and white. Use thin glazes of color to create depth and luminosity.

techniques

• ·glazing
• ·scumbling
• ·chiaroscuro
• ·figure drawing
• ·drapery rendering

common pitfalls

• →Getting the proportions of the figures wrong.
• →Overworking the painting and losing the freshness of the initial sketch.
• →Failing to create a sense of depth and atmosphere.
• →Using colors that are too bright or saturated.