plate no. 2294
The Blessed Bernardo Tolomeo's Intercession for the End of the Plague in Siena
Giuseppe Maria Crespi, 1735
experienced study
Recreating this painting will help students develop skills in figure drawing, creating dramatic lighting, and understanding complex compositions. It also provides practice in mixing muted and earthy tones.
technical profile
palette complexity
3
brushwork visibility
4
value contrast
4
compositional simplicity
2
study guide
est. 25 hrsapproach — 8 steps
- step 01
Sketch the basic composition, focusing on the placement of the figures and the architecture.
- step 02
Establish the dark background using a mix of browns, blacks, and blues.
- step 03
Block in the main figures with simplified shapes and values.
- step 04
Start building up the light areas on the figures, paying attention to the direction of the light source.
- step 05
Add details to the faces and clothing, using smaller brushes.
- step 06
Refine the architectural elements, focusing on creating depth and texture.
- step 07
Add the flying figure and the skeleton, paying attention to their dramatic poses.
- step 08
Glaze over the painting to unify the colors and create a sense of atmosphere.
color palette
primary · burnt umber · raw umber · ivory black · titanium white
secondary · cadmium red · yellow ochre · Prussian blue
Achieve the muted tones by mixing browns and blacks with small amounts of red, yellow, and blue. Use white sparingly to create highlights.
techniques
- ·chiaroscuro
- ·glazing
- ·scumbling
- ·figure drawing
- ·atmospheric perspective
common pitfalls
- →Overworking the details too early in the process.
- →Failing to establish a strong value structure.
- →Using colors that are too bright or saturated.
- →Ignoring the importance of atmospheric perspective.
materials
surface · stretched canvas
required
- ·stretched canvas
- ·oil paints
- ·palette
- ·palette knife
- ·assorted brushes
- ·linseed oil
- ·turpentine
- ·rags
optional
- ·medium gloss
- ·retouch varnish
- ·easel
Use a canvas with a smooth surface to facilitate blending and glazing. Consider using a toned ground to help establish the dark background.
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