plate no. 0862
The Torment of Saint Anthony
Michelangelo, 1487
experienced study
Recreating this painting will help students develop skills in rendering complex figures and fantastical creatures, as well as creating a sense of depth and atmosphere in a landscape.
technical profile
palette complexity
3
brushwork visibility
2
value contrast
3
compositional simplicity
2
study guide
est. 30 hrsapproach — 8 steps
- step 01
Create a preliminary sketch outlining the main figures and landscape elements.
- step 02
Establish the background sky and distant landscape with thin washes of color.
- step 03
Block in the main shapes of the rocks and figures with basic color tones.
- step 04
Develop the details of the saint's figure, focusing on accurate proportions and drapery.
- step 05
Add details to the demons, paying attention to their unique features and textures.
- step 06
Refine the landscape, adding details to the trees, water, and distant buildings.
- step 07
Add highlights and shadows to create depth and dimension.
- step 08
Apply final glazes to unify the colors and create a sense of atmosphere.
color palette
primary · ultramarine blue · burnt umber · titanium white · yellow ochre
secondary · cadmium red · viridian green · ivory black
Achieve the muted tones by mixing complementary colors and using white to create subtle variations. Use glazes to build up depth and richness in the shadows.
techniques
- ·glazing
- ·scumbling
- ·underpainting
- ·figure drawing
- ·atmospheric perspective
common pitfalls
- →overworking details too early
- →inaccurate proportions of figures
- →muddying colors with excessive mixing
- →failing to create a sense of depth
materials
surface · stretched canvas
required
- ·stretched canvas
- ·oil paints
- ·turpentine
- ·linseed oil
- ·assorted brushes (round and flat)
- ·palette
- ·palette knife
optional
- ·retouch varnish
- ·medium (e.g. Liquin)
- ·easel
Use high-quality oil paints for best results. Allow each layer to dry before applying the next.
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