plate no. 5526

Virgin Mary

oilNorthern Renaissancereligious paintingfigurereligiousdraperyhaloportraitVirgin Mary

some experience helpful

Recreating this painting will help students develop skills in portraiture, rendering drapery, and creating subtle gradations of light and shadow. It also provides practice in achieving a somber and contemplative mood through color and composition.

technical profile

palette complexity

brushwork visibility

value contrast

compositional simplicity

study guide

est. 15 hrs

approach — 8 steps

step 01
Sketch the basic composition, focusing on the figure's pose and the folds of the drapery.
step 02
Establish the dark background using a thin wash of black or dark brown.
step 03
Block in the main areas of the figure, including the face, hands, and drapery, using simplified shapes and values.
step 04
Begin to refine the facial features, paying close attention to the subtle gradations of light and shadow.
step 05
Develop the drapery, adding details to the folds and creases to create a sense of volume and texture.
step 06
Add the halo using thin, delicate lines of gold or yellow.
step 07
Refine the overall painting, adjusting values and adding details as needed.
step 08
Add final glazes to unify the colors and create a sense of depth.

color palette

primary · ivory black · raw umber · titanium white · flesh tint

secondary · burnt sienna · viridian · yellow ochre

Mix various shades of off-white for the drapery by adding small amounts of raw umber and burnt sienna to titanium white. Use viridian and ivory black for the green clothing.

techniques

·underpainting
·glazing
·scumbling
·chiaroscuro
·portraiture

common pitfalls

→Overworking the details too early
→Failing to establish a strong value structure
→Using colors that are too bright or saturated
→Ignoring the subtle gradations of light and shadow

materials

surface · stretched canvas

required

·Stretched canvas (16x20 inches)
·Oil paints (ivory black, raw umber, titanium white, burnt sienna, yellow ochre, viridian, flesh tint)
·Palette
·Assorted brushes (round and flat)
·Linseed oil
·Odorless mineral spirits
·Palette knife
·Soft cloths