plate no. 1823

Captain Robert Shore Milnes

oil, canvasRococoportraitfiguretreeslandscapehorsemilitaryportrait

experienced study

Recreating this painting will help students develop skills in portraiture, rendering realistic skin tones, and creating depth through atmospheric perspective. It also offers practice in depicting complex textures like fabric and foliage.

technical profile

palette complexity

brushwork visibility

value contrast

compositional simplicity

study guide

est. 30 hrs

approach — 8 steps

step 01
Sketch the basic composition, focusing on the placement of the figure, trees, and horizon line.
step 02
Establish the main light source and block in the large shadow areas.
step 03
Begin painting the background, starting with the sky and distant landscape, using thin washes of color.
step 04
Develop the foliage of the trees, layering different shades of green and brown to create depth and texture.
step 05
Paint the figure, starting with the skin tones and then moving on to the clothing and accessories.
step 06
Add details to the horse and the figure holding it, paying attention to their relative scale.
step 07
Refine the details of the foreground, including the rocks and foliage.
step 08
Add final highlights and shadows to create a sense of realism and depth.

color palette

primary · ivory black · yellow ochre · cadmium red · ultramarine blue

secondary · burnt umber · raw sienna · titanium white

Mix various shades of green for the foliage by combining yellow ochre, ultramarine blue, and burnt umber. Achieve skin tones by blending titanium white, cadmium red, and yellow ochre, with touches of burnt umber for shadows.

techniques