plate no. 3699

Duke of Alba

oil, canvasRomanticismportraitfigureportraitbookinstrumentclothingtable

some experience helpful

This painting provides practice in portraiture, including capturing likeness and rendering fabrics. Students will also learn to create depth and dimension with light and shadow.

technical profile

palette complexity

brushwork visibility

value contrast

compositional simplicity

study guide

est. 20 hrs

approach — 8 steps

step 01
Sketch the basic figure proportions and placement on the canvas.
step 02
Block in the background with dark, muted tones.
step 03
Establish the light source and map out the areas of light and shadow on the figure and instrument.
step 04
Begin layering in the local colors of the clothing, face, and book.
step 05
Refine the facial features, paying close attention to the eyes and mouth.
step 06
Add details to the instrument and book, including the text and decorative elements.
step 07
Soften edges and blend colors to create a sense of atmosphere.
step 08
Add final highlights and shadows to enhance the three-dimensionality of the figure.

color palette

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

secondary · cadmium red light · ultramarine blue · yellow ochre

Mix various shades of brown and gray for the background and clothing. Use white to create highlights and add warmth to the skin tones. Mix blue and yellow to create the green in the pants.

techniques