plate no. 1868

Edward Pierce

oilBaroqueportraitportraitfiguredraperysculpturebusthand

experienced study

Recreating this painting will help students develop skills in portraiture, particularly in capturing likeness and rendering realistic skin tones, as well as understanding how to depict the folds and textures of drapery using light and shadow.

technical profile

palette complexity

brushwork visibility

value contrast

compositional simplicity

study guide

est. 20 hrs

approach — 8 steps

step 01
Create a preliminary sketch outlining the basic shapes and proportions of the figure, bust, and drapery.
step 02
Establish the background with a dark, muted tone, allowing for subtle variations in value.
step 03
Block in the main areas of the figure and bust with mid-tones, focusing on accurate placement and proportions.
step 04
Begin layering in darker values to define shadows and create depth in the drapery and facial features.
step 05
Introduce lighter values to highlight the forms and create a sense of volume.
step 06
Refine the details of the face, paying close attention to the eyes, nose, and mouth.
step 07
Add subtle color variations to the skin tones and drapery to create a more realistic and nuanced effect.
step 08
Make final adjustments to the values and details to achieve a cohesive and balanced composition.

color palette

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

secondary · burnt sienna · cadmium red light

Achieve the skin tones by mixing titanium white, yellow ochre, and a touch of cadmium red light. Darken the shadows with ivory black and raw umber. Create the drapery by mixing ivory black with small amounts of raw umber and white for highlights.

techniques