plate no. 1030

George Chatten

oilRomanticismportraitportraitmanbeardclothingwalking stickface

some experience helpful

Recreating this painting will help students develop skills in portraiture, including capturing likeness and rendering realistic skin tones. Students will also learn to create depth and form using subtle value changes and brushwork.

technical profile

palette complexity

brushwork visibility

value contrast

compositional simplicity

study guide

est. 15 hrs

approach — 8 steps

step 01
Sketch the basic shapes and proportions of the figure and background.
step 02
Establish the overall value structure with a thin wash of burnt umber.
step 03
Block in the main color areas, focusing on the skin tones, clothing, and background.
step 04
Develop the facial features, paying close attention to the light and shadow on the face.
step 05
Refine the details of the clothing and walking stick, adding texture and highlights.
step 06
Adjust the values and colors to create a sense of depth and atmosphere.
step 07
Add final details and highlights to the eyes and other focal points.
step 08
Glaze with thin washes to unify the colors and create a sense of harmony.

color palette

primary · raw umber · titanium white · cadmium red light

secondary · yellow ochre · ultramarine blue · ivory black

Mix skin tones using white, red, yellow ochre, and a touch of blue. Use raw umber and black to create shadows and depth in the background and clothing.

techniques