plate no. 6281

Gian Lorenzo Bernini

oilBaroqueportraitportraitfiguremanclothinghairhand

some experience helpful

Recreating this painting will help students develop skills in portraiture, including capturing likeness and rendering skin tones. It also provides practice in creating depth and form using chiaroscuro.

technical profile

palette complexity

brushwork visibility

value contrast

compositional simplicity

study guide

est. 20 hrs

approach — 8 steps

step 01
Create a light sketch of the figure, focusing on proportions and placement on the canvas.
step 02
Block in the dark background with a thin layer of black or dark brown paint.
step 03
Establish the main light and shadow areas on the face, using a limited palette of earth tones and white.
step 04
Gradually build up the skin tones with thin layers of paint, blending carefully to create smooth transitions.
step 05
Paint the clothing, paying attention to the folds and drapery.
step 06
Add details to the face, such as the eyes, nose, and mouth, using small brushes.
step 07
Refine the hair, using a combination of broad strokes and fine lines to create texture.
step 08
Add final highlights and shadows to enhance the form and create a sense of realism.

color palette

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

secondary · burnt sienna · cadmium yellow light

Mix skin tones by combining white, yellow ochre, raw umber, and a touch of burnt sienna. Use ivory black and raw umber for the dark background and clothing. Add small amounts of cadmium yellow light to the skin tones for highlights.

techniques