plate no. 2082

Cornelis Evertsen (1642 - 1706), Lieutenant Admiral of Zeeland

oilBaroqueportraitportraitfigurearmorskycloudssea

experienced study

Recreating this painting will help students develop skills in portraiture, particularly rendering realistic skin tones and hair, as well as understanding light and shadow to create form.

technical profile

palette complexity

brushwork visibility

value contrast

compositional simplicity

study guide

est. 25 hrs

approach — 8 steps

step 01
Create a preliminary sketch outlining the figure's pose and proportions.
step 02
Block in the background with broad strokes, focusing on the sky and distant ships.
step 03
Establish the basic shapes and values of the figure's armor and clothing.
step 04
Begin layering in skin tones, paying close attention to highlights and shadows.
step 05
Develop the hair, using a variety of brushstrokes to create texture and volume.
step 06
Add details to the armor, including reflections and highlights.
step 07
Refine the background, adding details to the ships and clouds.
step 08
Add final highlights and shadows to create depth and dimension.

color palette

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

secondary · cadmium orange · ultramarine blue · yellow ochre

Mix various shades of brown and gray for the armor and background. Use white to lighten skin tones and create highlights. Mix orange and brown for the sash.

techniques