plate no. 8557

Colin Campbell, 1st Baron Clyde, Field-Marshal

oilRomanticismportraitportraitfiguremanclothingbackgroundsky

some experience helpful

Recreating this painting will help students develop skills in portraiture, including capturing likeness and rendering form with light and shadow. It also provides practice in creating atmospheric backgrounds with blended brushstrokes.

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 and background.
step 02
Establish the overall value structure with a thin wash of burnt umber.
step 03
Block in the main areas of color, focusing on the darks of the coat and the lighter tones of the face.
step 04
Refine the facial features, paying attention to the subtle shifts in value and color.
step 05
Develop the background with loose, blended brushstrokes, creating a sense of depth and atmosphere.
step 06
Add details to the clothing, such as buttons and folds, using smaller brushes.
step 07
Adjust the overall values and colors to create a sense of harmony and balance.
step 08
Add final highlights and details to the face and hair.

color palette

primary · ivory black · burnt umber · titanium white

secondary · yellow ochre · ultramarine blue

Mix various shades of brown and gray by combining burnt umber, ivory black, and titanium white. Use yellow ochre and ultramarine blue to create subtle variations in the background and skin tones.

techniques