plate no. 6255
The Ecstatic Virgin Anna Katharina Emmerich
Gabriel von Max, 1885
some experience helpful
Recreating this painting will help students develop skills in portraiture, particularly rendering skin tones and fabric folds. It also provides practice in creating a focal point through lighting and composition.
technical profile
palette complexity
3
brushwork visibility
3
value contrast
3
compositional simplicity
4
study guide
est. 20 hrsapproach — 8 steps
- step 01
Sketch the basic composition, focusing on the placement of the figure, candle, and crucifix.
- step 02
Establish the background with a thin wash of neutral tones.
- step 03
Block in the main shapes of the figure, paying attention to proportions and gesture.
- step 04
Begin layering skin tones, using subtle variations of white, ochre, and red.
- step 05
Develop the drapery and bedding, focusing on the folds and shadows.
- step 06
Paint the candle and its light, creating a warm glow.
- step 07
Add details to the crucifix and other objects.
- step 08
Refine the overall composition and add final touches.
color palette
primary · titanium white · raw umber · yellow ochre
secondary · burnt sienna · cadmium red light · ivory black
Mix various shades of white with small amounts of raw umber and yellow ochre to achieve the pale skin tones. Use burnt sienna and cadmium red for subtle highlights and shadows.
techniques
- ·glazing
- ·scumbling
- ·chiaroscuro
- ·portraiture
- ·fabric rendering
common pitfalls
- →Overmixing colors, resulting in muddy tones.
- →Ignoring the subtle variations in skin tone.
- →Failing to create a convincing sense of light and shadow.
- →Getting lost in the details before establishing the overall composition.
materials
surface · stretched canvas
required
- ·stretched canvas
- ·titanium white oil paint
- ·raw umber oil paint
- ·yellow ochre oil paint
- ·burnt sienna oil paint
- ·cadmium red light oil paint
- ·ivory black oil paint
- ·assorted brushes (round and flat)
optional
- ·palette knife
- ·linseed oil
- ·turpentine
- ·medium gloss
Use high-quality oil paints for best results. Consider using a medium to improve the flow and blending of the paints.
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