plate no. 4635

The Penitent Magdalene

oil, canvasBaroquereligious paintingfigurebookskullrocksdraperyreligious

some experience helpful

Recreating this painting will help students develop skills in chiaroscuro and rendering drapery folds. They will also learn how to create a focal point using light and shadow.

technical profile

palette complexity

brushwork visibility

value contrast

compositional simplicity

study guide

est. 15 hrs

approach — 8 steps

step 01
Sketch the basic composition, focusing on the placement of the figure, book, and skull.
step 02
Establish the dark background and block in the main light areas on the figure and rocks.
step 03
Begin layering the red drapery, paying attention to the folds and highlights.
step 04
Develop the form of the figure, focusing on the face and hands.
step 05
Refine the details of the book and skull, adding subtle highlights and shadows.
step 06
Add the staff and the suggestion of a landscape in the background.
step 07
Adjust the values and colors to create a sense of depth and atmosphere.
step 08
Add final highlights and details to complete the painting.

color palette

primary · burnt umber · titanium white · cadmium red

secondary · yellow ochre · ivory black

Mix various shades of red by combining cadmium red with burnt umber and titanium white. Use yellow ochre and burnt umber to create the warm tones of the rocks and skull. Use black and umber to create the dark background.

techniques

·chiaroscuro
·glazing
·blending
·scumbling

common pitfalls

→Overworking the details too early in the process.
→Failing to establish a strong value structure.
→Creating muddy colors by overmixing.
→Inaccurate proportions of the figure.

materials

surface · stretched canvas

required

·Stretched canvas (18x24 inches)
·Oil paints (burnt umber, titanium white, cadmium red, yellow ochre, ivory black)
·Palette
·Assorted brushes (round, flat, filbert)
·Linseed oil
·Odorless mineral spirits
·Palette knife
·Rags