plate no. 0760
Virgin and Child with Angels
Bernard Van Orley, 1518
experienced study
Recreating this painting will help students develop skills in rendering realistic figures, drapery, and architectural details, as well as understanding atmospheric perspective in landscape painting.
technical profile
palette complexity
4
brushwork visibility
3
value contrast
4
compositional simplicity
2
study guide
est. 40 hrsapproach — 8 steps
- step 01
Create a detailed sketch outlining the main figures, architecture, and landscape elements.
- step 02
Establish the background sky and distant landscape using thin washes of color.
- step 03
Block in the main colors of the architecture, paying attention to light and shadow.
- step 04
Start defining the figures of Mary, the Child, and the angels, focusing on accurate proportions and skin tones.
- step 05
Develop the drapery folds and textures using layers of glazes and highlights.
- step 06
Add details to the fountain and the surrounding foliage, varying the greens and browns.
- step 07
Refine the architectural details and add the peacocks.
- step 08
Add final highlights and shadows to create depth and realism.
color palette
primary · Ultramarine Blue · Crimson · Yellow Ochre · Titanium White
secondary · Burnt Umber · Viridian · Gold
Mix various shades of green by combining blue, yellow, and brown. Achieve skin tones by blending white, yellow ochre, and a touch of crimson. Use glazes of umber to create shadows and depth.
techniques
- ·Glazing
- ·Scumbling
- ·Underpainting
- ·Chiaroscuro
- ·Rendering drapery
common pitfalls
- →Getting the proportions of the figures wrong
- →Oversimplifying the architectural details
- →Creating muddy colors by overmixing
- →Ignoring the subtle variations in light and shadow
materials
surface · Stretched canvas
required
- ·Stretched canvas
- ·Oil paints
- ·Round brushes (sizes 0, 2, 4)
- ·Flat brushes (sizes 6, 8)
- ·Palette
- ·Linseed oil
- ·Turpentine
optional
- ·Palette knife
- ·Retouch varnish
- ·Medium gloss
Use high-quality oil paints for best results. Allow each layer to dry before applying the next.
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