plate no. 4456

Virgin Mary shows baby Jesus to St.Francis

oilBaroquereligious paintingfiguresreligiousbaby JesusVirgin MarySt. Francisangels

some experience helpful

Recreating this painting will help students develop skills in portraiture, figure drawing, and creating a sense of depth through value and atmospheric perspective. It also provides practice in rendering drapery and skin tones.

technical profile

palette complexity

brushwork visibility

value contrast

compositional simplicity

study guide

est. 20 hrs

approach — 8 steps

step 01
Sketch the basic composition, focusing on the placement and proportions of the figures.
step 02
Establish the dark background tones using a thin wash of burnt umber.
step 03
Block in the main shapes of the figures with mid-tones, paying attention to the light source.
step 04
Begin layering lighter tones on the figures, focusing on highlights and shadows to create form.
step 05
Develop the details of the faces, hands, and drapery, using smaller brushes.
step 06
Paint the angels and clouds with soft, blended brushstrokes.
step 07
Add the halos and any other symbolic elements.
step 08
Refine the overall painting, adjusting values and details as needed.

color palette

primary · burnt umber · titanium white · yellow ochre

secondary · raw sienna · ultramarine blue · cadmium red

Mix various shades of brown and beige by combining burnt umber, yellow ochre, and titanium white. Use ultramarine blue and white to create the cool tones of the clouds. Add small amounts of cadmium red to the skin tones for warmth.

techniques