plate no. 3861

Charles Portal, 1st Viscount Portal

Augustus John, 1943

oilPost-Impressionismportraitportraitfiguremilitarysuitmanuniform

some experience helpful

This painting is good for practicing portraiture and capturing likeness using visible brushstrokes. Students can learn to simplify forms and use color temperature to create depth.

technical profile

palette complexity

brushwork visibility

value contrast

compositional simplicity

study guide

est. 12 hrs

approach — 8 steps

step 01
Sketch the basic shapes and proportions of the figure, focusing on the head and shoulders.
step 02
Block in the main areas of color: skin tones, suit, background.
step 03
Refine the skin tones, paying attention to highlights and shadows.
step 04
Add details to the suit, including the tie, buttons, and insignia.
step 05
Work on the background, creating a sense of depth and atmosphere.
step 06
Refine the facial features, focusing on the eyes, nose, and mouth.
step 07
Add final details and highlights to the entire painting.
step 08
Step back and make any necessary adjustments to the composition and color balance.

color palette

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

secondary · cadmium red light · ultramarine blue · burnt sienna

Mix skin tones by blending yellow ochre, raw umber, and titanium white. Use ivory black and ultramarine blue for the suit, adding white for highlights. Create a range of grays for the background by mixing black and white with small amounts of blue or brown.

techniques