plate no. 8155

Duke Marlborough Singer Sargent and Family

oil, canvasRealismportraitfiguresportraitfamilyinteriorarchitecturedog

experienced study

Recreating this painting will develop skills in portraiture, including capturing likeness and rendering fabrics and textures. It also provides practice in creating a sense of depth and atmosphere through subtle color variations and brushwork.

technical profile

palette complexity

brushwork visibility

value contrast

compositional simplicity

study guide

est. 30 hrs

approach — 8 steps

step 01
Begin with a light sketch to establish the composition and placement of figures.
step 02
Block in the main shapes and values using thin washes of color.
step 03
Develop the background and architectural details, focusing on creating a sense of depth.
step 04
Start building up the figures, paying attention to proportions and anatomical accuracy.
step 05
Refine the facial features and expressions, using subtle color variations to create form.
step 06
Add details to the clothing and accessories, capturing the textures and patterns.
step 07
Pay special attention to the lighting and shadows, using them to create a sense of volume and dimension.
step 08
Add final highlights and details to complete the painting.

color palette

primary · ivory black · raw umber · yellow ochre · titanium white

secondary · cadmium red light · ultramarine blue · burnt sienna

Achieve the subtle skin tones by mixing white, yellow ochre, and a touch of red and umber. Use ultramarine blue and burnt sienna to create a range of grays and blacks for the clothing and shadows.

techniques