plate no. 0116

Charles Dickens

oilRomanticismportraitportraitfiguremanclothinghandsface

some experience helpful

Recreating this painting will help students develop skills in portraiture, including accurate proportions, subtle value gradations for form, and capturing a likeness. It also provides practice in rendering fabric and hands.

technical profile

palette complexity

brushwork visibility

value contrast

compositional simplicity

study guide

est. 15 hrs

approach — 8 steps

step 01
Sketch the basic proportions and pose of the figure, paying attention to the placement of the head, shoulders, and hands.
step 02
Establish the overall value structure by blocking in the darks and lights with thin washes of color.
step 03
Refine the facial features, focusing on accurate placement and proportions of the eyes, nose, and mouth.
step 04
Develop the form of the face and hands using subtle gradations of value and color.
step 05
Add details to the clothing, paying attention to the folds and drapery.
step 06
Refine the background, ensuring it complements the figure and does not distract from the focal point.
step 07
Add final highlights and details to bring the painting to life.
step 08
Glaze with thin layers to unify the colors and add depth.

color palette

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

secondary · yellow ochre · cadmium red light · ultramarine blue

Mix various shades of brown and gray by combining umbers, black, and white. Use small amounts of red and yellow to warm the skin tones. Add blue to cool the shadows.

techniques

·portraiture
·glazing
·value study
·blending
·chiaroscuro

common pitfalls

→Inaccurate proportions of the facial features.
→Overworking the details and losing the overall form.
→Using colors that are too saturated or bright.
→Failing to create a convincing sense of depth and volume.

materials

surface · stretched canvas

required

·stretched canvas (16x20 inches)
·oil paints (burnt umber, raw umber, titanium white, ivory black, yellow ochre, cadmium red light, ultramarine blue)
·palette
·linseed oil
·turpentine or odorless mineral spirits
·assorted brushes (round and flat)
·palette knife
·rags