
plate no. 9925
Recreating this painting will help students develop skills in portraiture, rendering textures of clothing and fur, and creating a sense of depth through atmospheric perspective and subtle value changes.
technical profile
approach — 8 steps
Create a preliminary sketch to establish the composition and proportions of the figures and background.
Block in the main shapes and values using thin washes of color.
Begin to refine the details of the faces, paying close attention to the light and shadow.
Develop the textures of the clothing, fur, and architectural elements using a variety of brushstrokes.
Build up the layers of paint, gradually increasing the level of detail and realism.
Pay attention to the subtle color variations in the skin tones and clothing.
Add highlights and shadows to create a sense of depth and dimension.
Glaze with thin layers of color to unify the painting and create a sense of atmosphere.
color palette
primary · burnt umber · raw sienna · ivory black · titanium white
secondary · cadmium yellow · alizarin crimson · ultramarine blue
Achieve the muted tones by mixing earth tones with small amounts of blues and reds. Use white to lighten values and create highlights.
techniques
common pitfalls
surface · stretched canvas
required
optional
Use high-quality oil paints for best results. A medium-grit canvas will provide a good surface for building up layers of paint.
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