plate no. 2188

Clark Gayton, Admiral of the White

oil, canvasNeoclassicismportraitportraitfigureoceanshipcloudsmap

experienced study

Recreating this painting will help students develop skills in portraiture, including accurate proportions and capturing likeness, as well as understanding how to render fabrics and textures with oil paints.

technical profile

palette complexity

brushwork visibility

value contrast

compositional simplicity

study guide

est. 25 hrs

approach — 8 steps

step 01
Sketch the basic composition, focusing on the proportions of the figure and the placement of the key elements (head, hands, ship).
step 02
Establish the background with broad strokes, indicating the sky and the sea with varying shades of gray and blue.
step 03
Block in the main shapes of the figure, paying attention to the light and shadow patterns.
step 04
Begin to refine the facial features, focusing on capturing the likeness of the subject.
step 05
Work on the details of the clothing, including the intricate patterns and textures of the uniform.
step 06
Add the details of the ship in the background, using smaller brushes to create a sense of distance.
step 07
Refine the highlights and shadows throughout the painting, adding depth and dimension.
step 08
Add final details to the map and other accessories.

color palette

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

secondary · cadmium yellow · ultramarine blue · cadmium red

Mix various shades of gray by combining ivory black and titanium white. Use yellow ochre and burnt umber to create the warm tones of the skin and the gold details on the uniform. Add small amounts of cadmium red and ultramarine blue to create subtle color variations in the sky and sea.

techniques

·portraiture
·glazing
·scumbling
·chiaroscuro
·rendering fabrics

common pitfalls

→Incorrect proportions of the figure.
→Difficulty capturing the likeness of the subject.
→Overworking the details, resulting in a stiff or unnatural appearance.
→Inaccurate color mixing, leading to a muddy or lifeless palette.

materials

surface · stretched canvas

required

·stretched canvas (18x24 inches)
·oil paints (ivory black, titanium white, yellow ochre, burnt umber, cadmium yellow, ultramarine blue, cadmium red)
·palette
·assorted brushes (round, flat, filbert)
·linseed oil
·turpentine
·palette knife