plate no. 0628

Allegorical Portrait of Charles II of England When Prince of Wales

oil, canvasBaroqueportraitfigureportraitskycolumndraperyarmor

experienced study

Recreating this painting will help students develop skills in portraiture, including capturing likeness and rendering realistic skin tones, as well as layering techniques for creating depth and texture in clothing and drapery.

technical profile

palette complexity

brushwork visibility

value contrast

compositional simplicity

study guide

est. 40 hrs

approach — 8 steps

step 01
Create a preliminary sketch to establish the composition and proportions of the figures and background elements.
step 02
Block in the main shapes and colors of the background, including the sky, column, and drapery.
step 03
Begin painting the figures, starting with the underpainting to establish the basic values and skin tones.
step 04
Develop the details of the faces, paying close attention to the light and shadow to create a sense of volume.
step 05
Paint the clothing and armor, using layering techniques to create depth and texture.
step 06
Add the smaller details, such as the tassels, sword, and helmet.
step 07
Refine the overall composition and adjust the colors and values as needed.
step 08
Apply a final varnish to protect the painting and enhance the colors.

color palette

primary · ivory black · titanium white · cadmium red · yellow ochre

secondary · ultramarine blue · burnt umber · raw sienna

Mix various shades of skin tones using titanium white, cadmium red, yellow ochre, and a touch of burnt umber. Create the silver fabric effect by mixing ivory black and titanium white with subtle hints of ultramarine blue.

techniques

·portraiture
·glazing
·scumbling
·chiaroscuro
·layering

common pitfalls

→Incorrect proportions of the figures
→Overblending the skin tones, resulting in a flat appearance
→Failing to capture the likeness of the subjects
→Inaccurate rendering of the fabric textures

materials

surface · stretched canvas

required

·Stretched canvas (24x30 inches)
·Oil paints (ivory black, titanium white, cadmium red, yellow ochre, ultramarine blue, burnt umber, raw sienna)
·Assorted brushes (round, flat, filbert)
·Palette
·Palette knife
·Odorless mineral spirits
·Linseed oil
·Painting medium (e.g., Liquin)