plate no. 5814

Ernest Egbert Blyth, Last Mayor & First Lord Mayor of Norwich

William Orpen, 1911

oilPost-Impressionismportraitportraitfigurecityscaperobeskybuilding

experienced study

Recreating this painting will help students develop skills in portraiture, including capturing likeness and rendering complex textures like fur and fabric. It also provides practice in creating a sense of depth and atmosphere in the background.

technical profile

palette complexity

brushwork visibility

value contrast

compositional simplicity

study guide

est. 25 hrs

approach — 7 steps

step 01
Sketch the basic composition, focusing on the proportions of the figure and the placement of key elements.
step 02
Establish the background with a thin wash of muted colors, paying attention to the atmospheric perspective.
step 03
Block in the main shapes of the figure, using simplified forms and values.
step 04
Develop the details of the face, carefully observing the light and shadow to create a realistic likeness.
step 05
Render the textures of the robe, fur, and other garments, using a variety of brushstrokes and techniques.
step 06
Add the details of the cityscape in the background, keeping it soft and slightly out of focus.
step 07
Refine the overall composition, adjusting values and colors as needed to create a harmonious and balanced image.

color palette

primary · ivory black · cadmium red · raw umber · titanium white

secondary · yellow ochre · ultramarine blue

Mix muted greens and blues for the sky and distant landscape. Use white to lighten values and create highlights. Mix reds and browns for the fur and robe, adding touches of black for shadows.

techniques