plate no. 3975

Ernest Abraham Hart, Editor of the British Medical Journal

oilRomanticismportraitportraitfiguremantablecupglass

some experience helpful

Recreating this painting will help students develop skills in portraiture, particularly in capturing likeness and using light and shadow to define form. It also provides practice in creating a sense of depth and atmosphere with a limited color palette.

technical profile

palette complexity

brushwork visibility

value contrast

compositional simplicity

study guide

est. 12 hrs

approach — 8 steps

step 01
Sketch the basic composition, focusing on proportions and placement of the figure and objects.
step 02
Establish the dark background using a mix of burnt umber and black.
step 03
Block in the main shapes of the figure and table with mid-tone values.
step 04
Begin to build up the highlights on the face, hands, and white shirt using lighter tones of yellow and white.
step 05
Refine the details of the face, paying attention to the eyes, nose, and mouth.
step 06
Add details to the clothing, cup and glass, and table, using a variety of brushstrokes to create texture.
step 07
Adjust the values and colors to create a sense of depth and atmosphere.
step 08
Add final highlights and details to complete the painting.

color palette

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

secondary · raw sienna · cadmium yellow light

Mix burnt umber and black for the dark background and shadows. Use yellow ochre and white for the skin tones, adding small amounts of burnt umber for warmth. Mix white with a touch of yellow ochre for the shirt.

techniques