plate no. 1142

Virgin Enthroned

oilRealismportraitfiguresportraitchildrendraperythronefoliage

experienced study

Recreating this painting will help students develop skills in portraiture, drapery rendering, and creating a sense of depth through subtle value changes. It also provides practice in capturing realistic skin tones and textures.

technical profile

palette complexity

brushwork visibility

value contrast

compositional simplicity

study guide

est. 25 hrs

approach — 8 steps

step 01
Sketch the basic composition, focusing on the placement and proportions of the figures and the throne.
step 02
Establish the background with broad strokes, paying attention to the subtle color variations in the sky and landscape.
step 03
Block in the main shapes of the figures, using a limited palette of earth tones and greens.
step 04
Begin to refine the drapery, using a combination of blending and visible brushstrokes to create texture and form.
step 05
Focus on the faces, carefully observing the light and shadow to capture the likenesses of the subjects.
step 06
Add details such as the foliage and the ornamentation on the throne.
step 07
Adjust the values and colors throughout the painting to create a sense of harmony and depth.
step 08
Add final highlights and details to complete the painting.

color palette

primary · viridian green · burnt umber · ivory black · titanium white

secondary · yellow ochre · ultramarine blue · cadmium red

Achieve the various greens by mixing viridian green with yellow ochre and white. Create subtle skin tones by mixing burnt umber, cadmium red, and white. Use ultramarine blue and white for the sky.

techniques

·portraiture
·drapery rendering
·glazing
·chiaroscuro
·dry brushing

common pitfalls

→Overworking the details too early in the process.
→Failing to establish a strong value structure.
→Using colors that are too saturated.
→Ignoring the subtle color variations in the shadows.

materials

surface · stretched canvas

required

·stretched canvas (18x24 inches)
·oil paints (viridian green, burnt umber, ivory black, titanium white, yellow ochre, ultramarine blue, cadmium red)
·linseed oil
·turpentine
·palette
·assorted brushes (round, flat, filbert)
·palette knife
·rags