plate no. 5050

Alfred George Edwards, Archbishop of Wales

Solomon Joseph Solomon, 1924

oilAcademicismportraitportraitfigurerobeschairreligious figurehands

experienced study

Recreating this painting will help students develop skills in portraiture, including accurate proportions and capturing likeness, as well as understanding how to render fabric and create a sense of depth through value and color.

technical profile

palette complexity

brushwork visibility

value contrast

compositional simplicity

study guide

est. 25 hrs

approach — 8 steps

step 01
Create a light sketch outlining the basic shapes and proportions of the figure and chair.
step 02
Establish the overall value structure by blocking in the dark background and the main areas of light and shadow on the figure.
step 03
Begin refining the skin tones, paying close attention to subtle color variations and highlights.
step 04
Work on the clothing, focusing on the folds and drapery to create a sense of volume.
step 05
Add details to the face, including the eyes, nose, and mouth, to capture the likeness of the subject.
step 06
Paint the chair, capturing the texture and details of the gold ornamentation.
step 07
Refine the hands, paying attention to the subtle details of the fingers and knuckles.
step 08
Add final highlights and details to complete the painting.

color palette

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

secondary · cadmium red · ultramarine blue · yellow ochre

Achieve skin tones by mixing white, yellow ochre, burnt umber, and a touch of red. Use ivory black and burnt umber for the dark background and robes, adding small amounts of blue or red to adjust the tone.

techniques