plate no. 6026
Barbarossa
experienced study
Recreating this painting will help students develop skills in rendering metallic surfaces and understanding light and shadow to create form. It also offers practice in portraiture and depicting intricate details like the crown and armor.
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 proportions and placement of the figure, sword, and crown.
- step 02
Establish the background with a thin wash of muted brown and gold tones.
- step 03
Block in the main shapes of the figure, armor, and crown with corresponding base colors.
- step 04
Begin layering values on the face and beard, building up highlights and shadows to define form.
- step 05
Work on the armor, paying close attention to the reflections and highlights to create a metallic effect.
- step 06
Add details to the crown, including the jewels and intricate floral designs.
- step 07
Refine the sword and hand, focusing on the texture and details of the glove.
- step 08
Add final details and adjust values to create depth and realism.
color palette
primary · titanium white · ivory black · yellow ochre · burnt sienna
secondary · ultramarine blue · cadmium yellow · alizarin crimson
Mix various shades of grey for the armor by combining black and white. Achieve the skin tones by mixing yellow ochre, burnt sienna, and a touch of red. Use blue sparingly for the eyes and jewels.
techniques
- ·glazing
- ·scumbling
- ·dry brushing
- ·chiaroscuro
- ·layering
common pitfalls
- →Getting the proportions of the figure wrong.
- →Failing to create a convincing metallic effect on the armor.
- →Overworking the details and losing the overall form.
- →Not achieving enough contrast in values.
materials
surface · stretched canvas
required
- ·stretched canvas (18x24 inches)
- ·oil paints (titanium white, ivory black, yellow ochre, burnt sienna, ultramarine blue, cadmium yellow, alizarin crimson)
- ·linseed oil
- ·turpentine or odorless mineral spirits
- ·assorted brushes (round, flat, filbert)
- ·palette
- ·palette knife
- ·rags
optional
- ·retouch varnish
- ·painting medium
Use a medium-grit canvas for better texture. Consider using a glazing medium to enhance the luminosity of the colors.
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