plate no. 1793
An Old Scholar
Salomon Koninck, 1645
experienced study
Recreating this painting will help students develop skills in chiaroscuro and portraiture, focusing on capturing the texture of fabric and skin tones through layering and glazing.
technical profile
palette complexity
4
brushwork visibility
3
value contrast
4
compositional simplicity
3
study guide
est. 20 hrsapproach — 8 steps
- step 01
Sketch the basic composition, focusing on the placement of the figure, books, and globe.
- step 02
Establish the dark background using a thin wash of burnt umber and black.
- step 03
Block in the main shapes of the figure and books with mid-tone browns and ochres.
- step 04
Begin layering highlights and shadows on the face and hands, paying attention to the light source.
- step 05
Develop the details of the clothing, using glazes to create depth and richness.
- step 06
Add highlights to the books and globe to create a sense of form.
- step 07
Refine the details of the face, including the beard and eyes.
- step 08
Add final touches and glazes to unify the painting.
color palette
primary · burnt umber · raw sienna · ivory black · titanium white
secondary · cadmium red · yellow ochre · ultramarine blue
Achieve the warm browns by mixing burnt umber with raw sienna and a touch of red. Use white to create highlights and black to deepen shadows. Glaze with thin washes of color to create depth.
techniques
- ·chiaroscuro
- ·glazing
- ·layering
- ·portraiture
- ·underpainting
common pitfalls
- →Overworking the details too early in the process.
- →Failing to establish a strong value structure.
- →Using colors that are too saturated.
- →Not paying enough attention to the light source.
materials
surface · stretched canvas
required
- ·stretched canvas 18x24
- ·burnt umber oil paint
- ·raw sienna oil paint
- ·ivory black oil paint
- ·titanium white oil paint
- ·#4 round brush
- ·#6 filbert brush
- ·linseed oil
optional
- ·palette knife
- ·medium gloss
- ·turpentine
Use high-quality oil paints for best results. Allow each layer to dry before applying the next.
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