plate no. 7389

David Garrick and his Wife

oil, canvasRococoportraitfiguresportraitclothingtableinteriorlace

experienced study

Recreating this painting will help students develop skills in portraiture, including capturing likeness and rendering fabric textures, as well as understanding the use of 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 to establish the composition and proportions of the figures and objects.
step 02
Block in the main shapes and colors of the background, figures, and table using thin washes of paint.
step 03
Develop the values and details of the faces, paying close attention to highlights and shadows.
step 04
Refine the clothing, focusing on the folds and textures of the fabric.
step 05
Add details to the table and objects, such as the quill, paper, and inkwell.
step 06
Render the lace details using fine brushstrokes and subtle variations in tone.
step 07
Adjust the overall color balance and value contrast to create a sense of depth and realism.
step 08
Add final highlights and details to complete the painting.

color palette

primary · ivory black · yellow ochre · ultramarine blue · titanium white

secondary · burnt umber · cadmium red light · raw sienna

Achieve skin tones by mixing white, yellow ochre, and a touch of red. Create the dark background by mixing ivory black and burnt umber. Use white to lighten colors and create highlights.

techniques