plate no. 9921

Benjamin Gratz

oilRomanticismportraitportraitfiguremanclothinghistorical

some experience helpful

This painting offers a good opportunity to practice portraiture basics, including accurate proportions and subtle value shifts to create form. Students can also learn about blending techniques to achieve smooth transitions in skin tones.

technical profile

palette complexity

brushwork visibility

value contrast

compositional simplicity

study guide

est. 15 hrs

approach — 8 steps

step 01
Create a light sketch outlining the basic proportions and placement of features.
step 02
Establish the background with a thin wash of warm brown tones.
step 03
Block in the main areas of the face, clothing, and hair with their respective base colors.
step 04
Begin layering values on the face, focusing on highlights and shadows to define the form.
step 05
Refine the features of the face, paying close attention to the eyes, nose, and mouth.
step 06
Add details to the clothing, including the collar and jacket, using darker values to create depth.
step 07
Work on the hair, using light and dark tones to create texture and volume.
step 08
Add final highlights and details to complete the painting.

color palette

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

secondary · cadmium red light · yellow ochre

Mix skin tones by blending white, raw umber, burnt sienna, and a touch of red. Use black and umber for shadows in the clothing. Add yellow ochre to the background for warmth.

techniques