plate no. 3342

Chancellor Florius Senesius

oilBaroqueportraitportraitfigurebookstabledraperywriting

experienced study

Recreating this painting will help students develop skills in portraiture, including capturing likeness and rendering realistic skin tones, as well as practice creating the illusion of depth and form through careful value control and blending.

technical profile

palette complexity

brushwork visibility

value contrast

compositional simplicity

study guide

est. 25 hrs

approach — 8 steps

step 01
Create a preliminary sketch to establish the composition and proportions of the figure and objects.
step 02
Block in the main shapes and values using thin washes of color.
step 03
Develop the background, paying attention to the subtle shifts in tone and color.
step 04
Begin building up the form of the figure, focusing on the light and shadow patterns.
step 05
Refine the facial features, capturing the likeness and expression of the subject.
step 06
Add details to the clothing, books, and other objects, paying attention to texture and form.
step 07
Glaze layers of color to enhance the depth and richness of the painting.
step 08
Add final highlights and details to complete the painting.

color palette

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

secondary · burnt sienna · viridian · cadmium yellow light

Mix various shades of brown and gray by combining raw umber, ivory black, and titanium white. Use yellow ochre to warm up the skin tones and add highlights to the drapery. Viridian can be used to create the green accents in the background and clothing.

techniques

·portraiture
·value studies
·glazing
·blending
·chiaroscuro

common pitfalls

→Inaccurate proportions in the initial sketch.
→Over-blending, resulting in a flat, lifeless appearance.
→Neglecting the subtle shifts in value and color.
→Getting lost in details before establishing the overall form.

materials

surface · stretched canvas

required

·Stretched canvas (18x24 inches)
·Oil paints (raw umber, ivory black, titanium white, yellow ochre, burnt sienna, viridian)
·Palette
·Assorted brushes (round and flat)
·Linseed oil
·Odorless mineral spirits
·Palette knife