plate no. 9456

Gentleman and Wife

oilRococoportraitfigureslandscapedogarchitecturetreesclothing

some experience helpful

Recreating this painting will help students develop skills in portraiture, including capturing likeness and rendering clothing folds. It also provides practice in creating atmospheric perspective and depicting a simple landscape.

technical profile

palette complexity

brushwork visibility

value contrast

compositional simplicity

study guide

est. 15 hrs

approach — 8 steps

step 01
Sketch the basic composition, focusing on the placement and proportions of the figures, architecture and landscape elements.
step 02
Block in the main color areas for the background, figures, and clothing, using thin washes.
step 03
Develop the values and details in the background, starting with the distant landscape and working forward.
step 04
Refine the figures, paying attention to the light and shadow on their faces and clothing.
step 05
Add details to the clothing, such as folds, lace, and buttons.
step 06
Paint the dog, paying attention to its anatomy and fur texture.
step 07
Add final details and highlights to the entire painting.
step 08
Varnish the painting once it is completely dry.

color palette

primary · red · blue-grey · yellow ochre · ivory black

secondary · burnt umber · raw sienna · titanium white

Mix various shades of red by combining a base red with white, black, or umber. Create the blue-grey for the woman's dress by mixing blue, white, and a touch of yellow ochre. Use glazes of burnt umber to create depth in the shadows.

techniques