plate no. 1530

Captain Robert Calder

oilRococoportraitportraitfigureclothingmilitaryhistoricalmale

some experience helpful

Recreating this painting will help students develop skills in portraiture, including accurate proportions and capturing likeness, as well as blending techniques for skin tones and rendering fabric.

technical profile

palette complexity

brushwork visibility

value contrast

compositional simplicity

study guide

est. 15 hrs

approach — 8 steps

step 01
Sketch the basic shapes and proportions of the figure, focusing on the head, shoulders, and torso.
step 02
Establish the background with a thin wash of blues and browns, creating a soft, atmospheric effect.
step 03
Block in the main areas of color for the face, hair, and clothing, paying attention to the overall value structure.
step 04
Refine the facial features, focusing on accurate placement and subtle blending of skin tones.
step 05
Develop the details of the clothing, including the gold trim, buttons, and white ruffles.
step 06
Add highlights and shadows to create depth and dimension in the figure and clothing.
step 07
Refine the background, adding subtle variations in color and texture.
step 08
Add final details and adjustments to complete the painting.

color palette

primary · ivory black · titanium white · yellow ochre · burnt umber

secondary · ultramarine blue · cadmium yellow · alizarin crimson

Mix skin tones using white, yellow ochre, burnt umber, and a touch of alizarin crimson. Achieve the dark blues of the coat by mixing ivory black and ultramarine blue.

techniques