plate no. 6161

Virgin and Child with Mary Magdalen and a Donor

oil, panelNorthern Renaissancereligious paintingfigureslandscapereligiouschildportraitsky

experienced study

Recreating this painting will help students develop skills in portraiture, including capturing likeness and rendering realistic skin tones, as well as understanding complex compositions with multiple figures.

technical profile

palette complexity

brushwork visibility

value contrast

compositional simplicity

study guide

est. 30 hrs

approach — 8 steps

step 01
Create a preliminary sketch to establish the composition and proportions of the figures and landscape.
step 02
Block in the main shapes and colors of the background landscape, paying attention to atmospheric perspective.
step 03
Establish the basic skin tones and values for each figure, focusing on accurate placement of highlights and shadows.
step 04
Develop the drapery and clothing, observing the folds and textures.
step 05
Refine the facial features and expressions of each figure, paying close attention to detail.
step 06
Add details to the background elements, such as the architecture and foliage.
step 07
Glaze thin layers of color to build depth and richness in the painting.
step 08
Add final highlights and details to complete the painting.

color palette

primary · red ochre · ultramarine blue · ivory black · titanium white

secondary · burnt umber · yellow ochre · cadmium red light

Mix various shades of skin tones using white, red ochre, and a touch of yellow ochre. Achieve atmospheric perspective in the background by adding blue to the greens and browns.

techniques