plate no. 7359

The calling of Saint Matthew

oilBaroquereligious paintingfigurestablecoinsclothingreligious scenemen

experienced study

Recreating this painting will help students develop skills in portraiture, fabric rendering, and creating a dynamic composition with multiple figures. It also provides practice in using chiaroscuro to create depth and drama.

technical profile

palette complexity

brushwork visibility

value contrast

compositional simplicity

study guide

est. 25 hrs

approach — 8 steps

step 01
Create a preliminary sketch to map out the placement of the figures and the table.
step 02
Establish the background with a muted, warm gray tone.
step 03
Block in the main shapes of the figures using simplified color masses.
step 04
Develop the light and shadow patterns on each figure, paying attention to the direction of the light source.
step 05
Refine the details of the faces, clothing, and hands, using smaller brushes.
step 06
Add the details of the coins, inkwell, and paper on the table.
step 07
Adjust the overall color harmony and value relationships to create a cohesive composition.
step 08
Add final highlights and details to enhance the realism and drama of the scene.

color palette

primary · burnt umber · raw sienna · ultramarine blue · titanium white

secondary · cadmium red · yellow ochre · ivory black

Achieve the skin tones by mixing burnt umber, raw sienna, and titanium white, with touches of cadmium red for warmth. Use ultramarine blue and burnt umber to create the darker shades in the clothing and background.

techniques

·chiaroscuro
·glazing
·portraiture
·fabric rendering
·figure drawing

common pitfalls

→Getting the proportions of the figures wrong.
→Overworking the details too early in the process.
→Failing to create a strong sense of light and shadow.
→Not paying attention to the color harmony of the painting.

materials

surface · stretched canvas

required

·stretched canvas (18x24 inches)
·oil paints (burnt umber, raw sienna, ultramarine blue, titanium white, cadmium red, yellow ochre, ivory black)
·linseed oil
·turpentine
·assorted brushes (round and flat)
·palette
·palette knife
·rags