plate no. 7269

The Stoning of St. Stephen

canvas, temperaHigh Renaissancereligious paintingfigureslandscapearchitecturecityscapemountainsclouds

experienced study

Recreating this painting will help students develop skills in depicting complex figure arrangements and creating atmospheric perspective to suggest depth. It also provides practice in rendering detailed architectural elements and drapery.

technical profile

palette complexity

brushwork visibility

value contrast

compositional simplicity

study guide

est. 30 hrs

approach — 8 steps

step 01
Begin with a light sketch outlining the main shapes and composition, focusing on the placement of figures and the cityscape.
step 02
Establish the horizon line and the basic shapes of the mountains and clouds.
step 03
Block in the main color masses for the sky, landscape, and figures, using thin washes of tempera.
step 04
Develop the details of the cityscape, paying attention to the perspective and architectural elements.
step 05
Refine the figures, adding details to their clothing, faces, and gestures.
step 06
Use layering and glazing techniques to build up depth and luminosity in the colors.
step 07
Add highlights and shadows to create form and dimension.
step 08
Finish by adding final details and adjusting the overall balance of the painting.

color palette

primary · burnt sienna · raw umber · titanium white · ultramarine blue

secondary · yellow ochre · cadmium red · ivory black

Achieve the muted tones by mixing earth pigments with white and small amounts of blue or red. Use thin glazes to create depth and luminosity in the colors.

techniques