plate no. 8617

George V in Coronation Robes.

Luke Fildes, 1911

oilAcademicismportraitfigureportraitrobecrownroyalinterior

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 depicting light and shadow to create depth and volume.

technical profile

palette complexity

brushwork visibility

value contrast

compositional simplicity

study guide

est. 30 hrs

approach — 8 steps

step 01
Sketch the basic figure proportions and composition on the canvas.
step 02
Block in the large areas of color, focusing on the background, robe, and figure's clothing.
step 03
Refine the facial features, paying close attention to the light and shadow to create a realistic likeness.
step 04
Develop the details of the robe, including the fur trim, gold embroidery, and red velvet lining.
step 05
Add details to the uniform, including buttons, medals, and gold braid.
step 06
Paint the crown and the table it rests on, capturing the reflective surfaces and intricate details.
step 07
Refine the overall painting, adjusting values and colors as needed.
step 08
Add final details and highlights to complete the painting.

color palette

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

secondary · yellow ochre · ultramarine blue · gold

Achieve the skin tones by mixing titanium white, yellow ochre, and a touch of crimson red. Create the dark blacks and browns by mixing ivory black, raw umber, and a touch of ultramarine blue.

techniques