plate no. 0665

Douglas Hamilton, 8th Duke of Hamilton and 5th Duke of Brandon, with Dr John Moore and Sir John Moore as a Young Boy

oilNeoclassicismportraitfigureslandscapearchitecturedogportraitclothing

experienced study

Recreating this painting would help students develop skills in portraiture, including capturing likeness and rendering realistic skin tones, as well as understanding how to depict complex drapery and textures.

technical profile

palette complexity

brushwork visibility

value contrast

compositional simplicity

study guide

est. 30 hrs

approach — 8 steps

step 01
Create a preliminary sketch to establish the composition and proportions of the figures and background.
step 02
Block in the main shapes and colors of the background landscape and architectural elements.
step 03
Begin painting the figures, starting with the underpainting to establish values and skin tones.
step 04
Develop the details of the clothing, paying attention to the folds and highlights.
step 05
Refine the facial features and expressions of each figure.
step 06
Add details to the dog, focusing on its fur texture and anatomy.
step 07
Adjust the overall color harmony and value contrast to create a cohesive image.
step 08
Add final details and highlights to complete the painting.

color palette

primary · yellow ochre · burnt umber · cadmium red · titanium white

secondary · ultramarine blue · ivory black · raw sienna

Achieve skin tones by mixing yellow ochre, burnt umber, cadmium red, and titanium white. Use ultramarine blue and ivory black to create shadows and depth. Mix raw sienna and burnt umber for earth tones.

techniques