plate no. 2012

Admiral Thomas Mathews

oil, canvasRococoportraitportraitfigureshipsseacannonclothing

experienced study

Recreating this painting will help students develop skills in portraiture, including accurate proportions and rendering of facial features, as well as techniques for depicting complex textures like fabric and hair.

technical profile

palette complexity

brushwork visibility

value contrast

compositional simplicity

study guide

est. 25 hrs

approach — 8 steps

step 01
Sketch the basic composition, focusing on the placement of the figure, ships, and cannon.
step 02
Establish the background sky and sea with broad, blended strokes.
step 03
Block in the main shapes of the figure, paying attention to proportions and pose.
step 04
Begin layering colors for the face, using subtle variations to create form and depth.
step 05
Paint the clothing, focusing on the folds and highlights to create a sense of volume.
step 06
Add details to the ships in the background, using smaller brushes to capture their intricate structures.
step 07
Refine the details of the face, hair, and hands, adding highlights and shadows to create a lifelike appearance.
step 08
Add final details, such as the gold trim on the clothing and the texture of the cannon.

color palette

primary · ultramarine blue · cadmium red · titanium white · yellow ochre

secondary · burnt umber · ivory black · raw sienna

Mix various shades of blue and white for the sky and sea. Use red and yellow ochre for the coat, and white, yellow ochre, and burnt umber for the wig. Mix red and white for the lighter shades of the coat.

techniques