plate no. 1935

Charles II (1630–1685)

oil, panelBaroqueportraitportraitfigureclothinghairlacehistorical

some experience helpful

Recreating this portrait will help students develop skills in portraiture, including capturing likeness and rendering details in clothing and hair. It also provides practice in creating subtle value changes to model form.

technical profile

palette complexity

brushwork visibility

value contrast

compositional simplicity

study guide

est. 15 hrs

approach — 8 steps

step 01
Create a light sketch of the overall composition, focusing on proportions and placement of the figure.
step 02
Block in the main areas of color: skin tones, hair, clothing, and background.
step 03
Begin refining the skin tones, paying attention to subtle shifts in value and color.
step 04
Work on the hair, using layers of dark and light browns to create depth and texture.
step 05
Add details to the clothing, including the lace collar and any decorative elements.
step 06
Refine the facial features, focusing on capturing the likeness of the subject.
step 07
Adjust the values and colors throughout the painting to create a sense of harmony and balance.
step 08
Add final details and highlights to complete the painting.

color palette

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

secondary · cadmium red light · yellow ochre · ultramarine blue

Mix skin tones using white, yellow ochre, burnt sienna, and a touch of red. Darken values with raw umber and ivory black. Use ultramarine blue to cool down skin tones or create shadows.

techniques