plate no. 1741

A Young John Wesley (1703–1791), Preaching

oilRococoportraitportraitfigureskycloudslandscapebook

some experience helpful

Recreating this painting will help students develop skills in portraiture, including capturing likeness and rendering skin tones, as well as practicing atmospheric perspective in the background landscape.

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 proportions and placement.
step 02
Block in the main areas of color: the sky, the figure's robe, skin tones, and the landscape.
step 03
Develop the sky with soft, blended brushstrokes, creating a sense of depth and atmosphere.
step 04
Refine the figure's features, paying attention to light and shadow to create form.
step 05
Add details to the figure's clothing and the book, capturing their textures and shapes.
step 06
Work on the landscape, using lighter colors and softer edges to suggest distance.
step 07
Add final highlights and shadows to enhance the overall sense of realism.
step 08
Glaze with thin layers to adjust color and value as needed.

color palette

primary · ivory black · raw umber · titanium white · cadmium red light

secondary · yellow ochre · cerulean blue

Mix skin tones using white, red, yellow ochre, and a touch of umber. Achieve atmospheric perspective by adding white and blue to the landscape colors.

techniques