plate no. 1368

Vision of St. Francis of Assisi

oil, canvasTenebrismreligious paintingfigureangelskullreligioustenebrism

some experience helpful

Recreating this painting will help students understand dramatic lighting and how to model forms using value. It will also improve their ability to create a focal point through contrast.

technical profile

palette complexity

brushwork visibility

value contrast

compositional simplicity

study guide

est. 15 hrs

approach — 8 steps

step 01
Prepare a canvas with a dark, warm underpainting (burnt umber wash).
step 02
Sketch the main figures: St. Francis, the angel, and the skull, focusing on proportions and placement.
step 03
Block in the darkest areas of the composition using a dark brown or black.
step 04
Begin layering in lighter values on the figures, starting with the mid-tones and gradually adding highlights.
step 05
Pay close attention to the light source and how it affects the forms.
step 06
Refine the details of the faces and hands, focusing on accurate rendering.
step 07
Add the details of the angel and the skull, paying attention to texture and form.
step 08
Glaze thin layers of color to unify the painting and create depth.

color palette

primary · burnt umber · raw umber · ivory black · titanium white

secondary · yellow ochre · raw sienna

Mix various shades of brown and black with white to create the range of values. Use yellow ochre and raw sienna sparingly to add warmth to the skin tones and fabrics.

techniques