plate no. 4622

Diego Martelli in Castiglioncello

oil, canvasRealismportraitportraitfiguremanhatfoliageclothing

some experience helpful

Recreating this painting will help students develop skills in portraiture, capturing light and shadow with visible brushstrokes, and mixing subtle color variations to create form. Students will also learn to simplify complex details into expressive brushwork.

technical profile

palette complexity

brushwork visibility

value contrast

compositional simplicity

study guide

est. 12 hrs

approach — 8 steps

step 01
Create a light sketch outlining the basic shapes and proportions of the figure and background.
step 02
Block in the main areas of color, focusing on the overall value structure.
step 03
Develop the skin tones, paying attention to the subtle shifts in color and value.
step 04
Add details to the clothing, using broken brushstrokes to create texture.
step 05
Paint the background foliage, simplifying the forms and focusing on the interplay of light and shadow.
step 06
Refine the facial features, capturing the likeness of the subject.
step 07
Add final details and highlights to create depth and dimension.
step 08
Review the painting and make any necessary adjustments.

color palette

primary · raw umber · titanium white · yellow ochre

secondary · cadmium red · ultramarine blue · burnt sienna

Mix skin tones by combining white, yellow ochre, and a touch of red and umber. Use blue and umber to create shadows. Achieve the foliage colors by mixing yellow ochre, blue, and a touch of red.

techniques