plate no. 9347
The Story of St. Nicholas: The Death of the Saint
Fra Angelico, 1448
some experience helpful
Recreating this painting will help students develop skills in figure drawing, composition, and creating a sense of depth through linear perspective and color values. It also provides practice in rendering drapery and architectural details.
technical profile
palette complexity
3
brushwork visibility
2
value contrast
3
compositional simplicity
3
study guide
est. 20 hrsapproach — 8 steps
- step 01
Sketch the basic composition, paying attention to the perspective of the architecture.
- step 02
Establish the main shapes and positions of the figures.
- step 03
Block in the background elements like the sky, trees, and building.
- step 04
Begin layering in the local colors of the figures' robes and skin tones.
- step 05
Add details to the faces and hands, focusing on the expressions.
- step 06
Paint the drapery folds, using light and shadow to create volume.
- step 07
Render the architectural details, such as the walls, windows, and columns.
- step 08
Add the final details, such as the patterns on the fabric and the halos of the angels.
color palette
primary · red · white · gold · blue
secondary · brown · green · grey · ochre
Achieve the muted tones by mixing primary colors with white and earth tones. Use glazes to create depth and luminosity.
techniques
- ·glazing
- ·linear perspective
- ·figure drawing
- ·drapery rendering
- ·underpainting
common pitfalls
- →incorrect perspective
- →stiff figure poses
- →muddy colors
- →lack of detail
- →inaccurate proportions
materials
surface · gessoed panel
required
- ·gessoed panel
- ·tempera paints
- ·fine detail brushes
- ·palette
- ·water
- ·soft cloths
optional
- ·retarder
- ·medium
- ·palette knife
Tempera paints dry quickly, so work in small sections. Consider using egg tempera for a more traditional approach.
tips & new artworks in your inbox
no spam — unsubscribe anytime.
or to save artworks, chat, and track progress
related guides
in this vein
related artworks
Madonna Enthroned with Saints
Filippo Lippi
Christ the Judge (detali)
Fra Angelico
The Dead Christ Supported by an Angel
Antonello da Messina
St. Michael and St. John
Álvaro Pires de Évora
Penitent St. Jerome
Fra Angelico
The Madonna and Child with the Infant Saint John the Baptist
Sandro Botticelli
Coronation of the Virgin (detail)
Filippo Lippi
Adoration of the Child
Filippino Lippi