plate no. 2977

The Prayer, Saint Bonnet Church

Léon Augustin Lhermitte, 1920

pastel, paperRealismgenre paintingchurch interiorstained glassfiguresarchitecturealtarprayer

some experience helpful

Recreating this painting will help students develop skills in depicting light and shadow within an interior space, as well as capturing the texture and detail of architectural elements using pastel techniques.

technical profile

palette complexity

brushwork visibility

value contrast

compositional simplicity

study guide

est. 12 hrs

approach — 8 steps

step 01
Create a light sketch outlining the main shapes: the church interior, the figures, and the stained glass window.
step 02
Establish the overall color scheme using broad strokes of pastel, focusing on the warm and cool tones.
step 03
Develop the background details, such as the walls, altar, and architectural elements, using layering techniques.
step 04
Add details to the figures, paying attention to their posture and clothing.
step 05
Focus on the stained glass window, using small strokes of vibrant colors to capture its intricate design.
step 06
Refine the lighting and shadows, using darker pastels to create depth and dimension.
step 07
Blend and soften the pastel strokes to create a smooth, atmospheric effect.
step 08
Add final highlights and details to complete the painting.

color palette

primary · ochre · burnt umber · ultramarine blue

secondary · cadmium yellow · alizarin crimson · violet

Mix ochre and burnt umber for the warm tones of the interior. Use ultramarine blue and violet for the cooler shadows. Mix cadmium yellow and alizarin crimson for the stained glass.

techniques