plate no. 4681
The Penitent Magdalene
Georges de La Tour, 1640
experienced study
Students would develop chiaroscuro lighting techniques and learn to paint convincing candlelit scenes with dramatic shadows and warm glowing highlights.
technical profile
palette complexity
3
brushwork visibility
2
value contrast
5
compositional simplicity
4
study guide
est. 25 hrsapproach — 8 steps
- step 01
Start with a detailed drawing focusing on accurate proportions and positioning of the figure
- step 02
Block in the darkest shadows using burnt umber mixed with ultramarine blue
- step 03
Establish the warm candlelight source and its direct illumination areas
- step 04
Paint the figure's flesh tones using warm ochres and siennas in the lit areas
- step 05
Develop the white fabric with careful attention to how candlelight affects its color temperature
- step 06
Add the ornate mirror frame details and reflected candle flames
- step 07
Paint the red fabric with rich vermillion, showing how it catches and absorbs light
- step 08
Refine edges and add subtle reflected light in shadow areas
color palette
primary · burnt umber · raw sienna · titanium white · cadmium red
secondary · ultramarine blue · yellow ochre · raw umber · cadmium yellow light
Mix warm flesh tones with white, yellow ochre, and a touch of red. Create deep shadows by combining burnt umber with ultramarine blue.
techniques
- ·chiaroscuro lighting
- ·glazing for luminous effects
- ·soft edge blending
- ·careful color temperature control
- ·detailed brushwork for ornate objects
common pitfalls
- →Making shadows too black without reflected light
- →Overworking the soft transitions
- →Using cool colors in candlelit areas
- →Making the light source too harsh
materials
surface · stretched canvas primed with warm gray ground
required
- ·burnt umber oil paint
- ·raw sienna oil paint
- ·titanium white oil paint
- ·cadmium red oil paint
- ·ultramarine blue oil paint
- ·#4 flat brush
- ·#2 round brush
- ·canvas 16x20 inches
optional
- ·glazing medium
- ·#1 liner brush
- ·palette knife
- ·odorless mineral spirits
A warm toned ground helps unify the candlelit atmosphere and reduces the stark white that can interfere with judging values
tips & new artworks in your inbox
no spam — unsubscribe anytime.
or to save artworks, chat, and track progress
in this vein
related artworks
Girl with a Straw Hat
Judith Leyster
Gezicht Op De Laurenskerk Gezien Vanuit Noordoosten
Abraham Storck
Bathsheba Bathing
Francesco Solimena
Repentant Peter
Guido Reni
Itinerant Musicians
Jacob Ochtervelt
Marie Christine
Marcello Bacciarelli
Santa Cecilia E Due Angeli
Giulio Cesare Procaccini
Scene from the Life of Saint Benedict
Philippe de Champaigne