plate no. 3439

The Calling of St. Matthew

oil, canvasBaroquereligious paintingfigurestablecoinsdocumentsclothinghands

experienced study

Recreating this painting will help students develop skills in portraiture, rendering realistic fabrics and textures, and understanding chiaroscuro lighting techniques. It also provides practice in depicting complex hand gestures and facial expressions.

technical profile

palette complexity

brushwork visibility

value contrast

compositional simplicity

study guide

est. 30 hrs

approach — 8 steps

step 01
Create a preliminary sketch to establish the composition and proportions of the figures.
step 02
Block in the main shapes and colors using thin washes of paint.
step 03
Establish the light source and begin to build up the shadows and highlights.
step 04
Work on the faces, paying close attention to the details of the eyes, nose, and mouth.
step 05
Develop the drapery, using a variety of brushstrokes to create texture and form.
step 06
Add details such as the coins, documents, and inkwell.
step 07
Refine the edges and blend the colors to create a sense of depth and atmosphere.
step 08
Add final highlights and shadows to enhance the realism of the painting.

color palette

primary · burnt umber · raw sienna · ivory black · titanium white

secondary · ultramarine blue · cadmium red light · yellow ochre

Achieve skin tones by mixing white, yellow ochre, burnt umber, and a touch of red. Use ultramarine blue and burnt umber to create deep shadows. Mix white with small amounts of other colors to create highlights.

techniques

·chiaroscuro
·glazing
·scumbling
·portraiture
·drapery rendering

common pitfalls

→Overworking the details too early in the process.
→Failing to establish a strong light source.
→Using colors that are too saturated.
→Neglecting the importance of edges and transitions.

materials

surface · stretched canvas

required

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