plate no. 6227

The Temptation of Saint Anthony

oilNorthern Renaissancereligious paintingfiguresdemonslandscapeanimalsarchitecturereligious scene

advanced study

Recreating this painting will help students develop skills in complex composition, figure drawing, and creating depth through atmospheric perspective. It also provides practice in rendering various textures and fantastical creatures.

technical profile

palette complexity

brushwork visibility

value contrast

compositional simplicity

study guide

est. 60 hrs

approach — 8 steps

step 01
Begin with a light sketch to map out the overall composition and placement of major elements.
step 02
Establish the background landscape and architectural elements, focusing on atmospheric perspective.
step 03
Rough in the main figures, paying attention to proportions and poses.
step 04
Start building up the demonic figures in the sky, working from general shapes to finer details.
step 05
Refine the figures in the foreground, adding details to their clothing and expressions.
step 06
Add the animals, paying attention to their anatomy and textures.
step 07
Work on the details of the ground and foliage, adding highlights and shadows.
step 08
Add final details and glazes to unify the painting and enhance the overall effect.

color palette

primary · burnt umber · ivory black · titanium white · cadmium red

secondary · yellow ochre · ultramarine blue · viridian

Achieve the muted tones by mixing earth tones with white and small amounts of other colors. Use glazes of transparent colors to add depth and richness.

techniques