plate no. 0146

The Holy Family with St. Elizabeth and little John the Baptist

oilBaroquereligious paintingfiguresfamilyreligiouslandscapesheeparchitecture

experienced study

Recreating this painting will help students develop skills in figure drawing, drapery rendering, and creating a harmonious color palette with subtle variations. It also offers practice in depicting soft lighting and creating a sense of depth through atmospheric perspective.

technical profile

palette complexity

brushwork visibility

value contrast

compositional simplicity

study guide

est. 25 hrs

approach — 8 steps

step 01
Begin with a light sketch to establish the composition and placement of the figures.
step 02
Block in the main shapes and colors of the background, including the architecture and landscape.
step 03
Roughly sketch the figures, paying attention to proportions and poses.
step 04
Start building up the skin tones using thin layers of paint, focusing on highlights and shadows.
step 05
Develop the drapery, using a limited palette to create a sense of unity.
step 06
Add details to the faces, including eyes, nose, and mouth.
step 07
Paint the sheep, using short, broken strokes to create the texture of the wool.
step 08
Refine the details and add finishing touches, such as highlights and shadows.

color palette

primary · burnt umber · ultramarine blue · yellow ochre · titanium white

secondary · cadmium red · raw sienna · ivory black

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

techniques