plate no. 5590

The Divine Shepherdess

oilBaroquereligious paintingfiguresheeplandscapeangelflowerstrees

some experience helpful

Recreating this painting will help students develop skills in figure painting, drapery, and rendering soft light. It also provides practice in creating intricate patterns and textures.

technical profile

palette complexity

brushwork visibility

value contrast

compositional simplicity

study guide

est. 20 hrs

approach — 8 steps

step 01
Sketch the basic composition, focusing on the placement of the figure and sheep.
step 02
Establish the background with a light blue sky and hints of foliage.
step 03
Block in the main colors of the figure's clothing, using thin washes.
step 04
Develop the details of the drapery, paying attention to folds and highlights.
step 05
Paint the sheep, starting with a base layer of grey and adding highlights and shadows.
step 06
Add the intricate gold patterns on the clothing using a fine brush.
step 07
Refine the details of the face and hands, focusing on soft lighting.
step 08
Add final touches, such as the flowers and angel in the background.

color palette

primary · ultramarine blue · red ochre · titanium white

secondary · yellow ochre · raw umber · cadmium red light

Mix various shades of blue and red for the drapery. Use white to create highlights and dilute colors for a soft, luminous effect. Mix raw umber and white for the sheep's wool.

techniques