Drawing and Painting Fun (5th) - The importance of light. Murillo -

B.E. Murillo Bartolomé Esteban Murillo was born in Seville (Spain) in 1617 and he died in 1682. He was one of the most important baroque artist of religious paintings. His paintings are very realistic: he was a master of the human figure. He also used light and shadows in special ways.

Murillo Murillo used composition to focus on important elements. For example, here the dark background draws attention to the figures. Also, he made a triangle or mountain shape in the foreground.

Look at the paintings. How are they different? What do they show? How are the paintings similar? They have the same subject and the backgrounds are dark. Look at the paintings. How are they different? What do they show? Children. There are real children in the first painting, but there are angels in the second.

What materials did Murillo use to make the picture? What colours did he use in the background? Oil paint on canvas. Dark colours (browns, blacks…).

Paintings by Murillo

Now you’re going to make a version of a famous Murillo. You can choose one of these. While you work, listen to Luigi Bocherini.