plate no. 0815
The Holy Family
Pasquale Celommi, 1905
some experience helpful
Recreating this painting will help students develop skills in figure drawing, drapery rendering, and creating a sense of depth through subtle value changes. Students will also learn to mix skin tones and create a harmonious color palette.
technical profile
palette complexity
3
brushwork visibility
3
value contrast
3
compositional simplicity
3
study guide
est. 20 hrsapproach — 8 steps
- step 01
Create a light sketch to establish the composition and proportions of the figures and objects.
- step 02
Block in the main shapes and colors using thin washes of paint.
- step 03
Begin to build up the values and details in the faces and hands.
- step 04
Develop the drapery, paying attention to the folds and highlights.
- step 05
Refine the background and add details to the objects in the scene.
- step 06
Adjust the values and colors to create a sense of depth and atmosphere.
- step 07
Add final highlights and details to the figures and objects.
- step 08
Let dry and add a varnish layer.
color palette
primary · ultramarine blue · raw umber · titanium white · cadmium red light
secondary · yellow ochre · burnt sienna
Mix ultramarine blue and raw umber with white to create the various shades of blue in the clothing. Use cadmium red light and white to create the skin tones, adding yellow ochre for warmth. Raw umber and burnt sienna can be mixed to create the browns and earth tones.
techniques
- ·glazing
- ·scumbling
- ·chiaroscuro
- ·underpainting
- ·blending
common pitfalls
- →Getting the proportions of the figures wrong.
- →Overworking the details and losing the overall sense of harmony.
- →Using too much paint and creating a muddy effect.
- →Failing to create a convincing sense of depth.
materials
surface · stretched canvas
required
- ·stretched canvas 18x24
- ·oil paints (ultramarine blue, raw umber, titanium white, cadmium red light, yellow ochre, burnt sienna)
- ·linseed oil
- ·turpentine or odorless mineral spirits
- ·palette
- ·assorted brushes (round and flat)
- ·palette knife
- ·rags
optional
- ·medium gloss
- ·retouch varnish
- ·easel
Use a medium-grain canvas for best results. Consider using a toned ground (e.g., raw umber wash) to create a warmer base for the painting.
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