plate no. 7353

Virgo Laurentana

Alberto Sughi, 1995

oilExpressionismreligious paintingfigurebabyreligiousarchitecturehaloportrait

some experience helpful

Recreating this painting will help students develop skills in layering colors to create depth and using expressive brushstrokes to convey emotion. It also provides practice in simplifying complex forms into basic shapes.

technical profile

palette complexity

brushwork visibility

value contrast

compositional simplicity

study guide

est. 10 hrs

approach — 8 steps

step 01
Lightly sketch the main shapes: the figure, the baby, and the architectural elements.
step 02
Block in the background with the lightest orange/yellow tones, using a large brush.
step 03
Establish the darker values in the figure's clothing and hair, using burnt umber and siennas.
step 04
Mix a range of skin tones using white, yellow ochre, and a touch of red, and apply to the figures.
step 05
Add details to the building, focusing on simplified shapes and lines.
step 06
Introduce the subtle purple accents in the clothing and background.
step 07
Define the edges of the figures and architectural elements with darker lines.
step 08
Add the halo with a light yellow and refine the overall composition.

color palette

primary · yellow ochre · burnt sienna · titanium white

secondary · purple · ultramarine blue

Achieve the warm orange tones by mixing yellow ochre, burnt sienna, and a touch of red. Use white to lighten these colors and create highlights. Mix ultramarine blue with a touch of red to create the purple accents.

techniques