plate no. 1723

Ambassador of China

oilRococoportraitfigureportraitclothinghatswordhistorical

experienced study

Recreating this painting will help students develop skills in portraiture, color mixing for realistic skin tones and fabrics, and rendering textures with visible brushstrokes. Students will also learn to create depth and form using chiaroscuro techniques.

technical profile

palette complexity

brushwork visibility

value contrast

compositional simplicity

study guide

est. 20 hrs

approach — 8 steps

step 01
Sketch the basic figure proportions and pose, paying attention to the overall composition.
step 02
Establish the background with a dark, muted tone.
step 03
Block in the main areas of color for the clothing and skin, focusing on the large shapes.
step 04
Begin to refine the details of the face, hat, and hands, adding highlights and shadows.
step 05
Develop the folds and textures of the clothing, using a variety of brushstrokes.
step 06
Add the details of the belt, sword, and other accessories.
step 07
Refine the overall lighting and contrast, ensuring that the figure stands out from the background.
step 08
Add final details and glazes to enhance the richness of the colors and textures.

color palette

primary · yellow ochre · burnt umber · ultramarine blue · titanium white

secondary · cadmium red · raw sienna · ivory black

Achieve skin tones by mixing yellow ochre, burnt umber, and titanium white. Create the blue fabric by mixing ultramarine blue with white and a touch of yellow ochre. Darken colors with burnt umber and ivory black.

techniques

·chiaroscuro
·glazing
·scumbling
·dry brushing
·portraiture

common pitfalls

→Getting the proportions of the figure wrong.
→Overworking the details too early in the process.
→Not creating enough contrast between the figure and the background.
→Failing to capture the likeness of the subject.

materials

surface · stretched canvas

required

·Stretched canvas (18x24 inches)
·Oil paints (yellow ochre, burnt umber, ultramarine blue, titanium white, cadmium red, raw sienna, ivory black)
·Assorted brushes (round, flat, filbert)
·Palette
·Palette knife
·Linseed oil
·Odorless mineral spirits
·Rags