plate no. 7606

Gianlorenzo Bernini

oilBaroqueportraitportraitfiguremanclothinghairhand

some experience helpful

This painting provides practice in rendering realistic skin tones and creating depth through subtle value changes. Students will learn to use chiaroscuro to model form and create a dramatic effect.

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, paying attention to the placement of the head, shoulders, and hands.
step 02
Establish the darkest areas of the background and clothing with a thin wash of dark brown or black.
step 03
Block in the mid-tones of the face and hands, using a mix of earth tones and white.
step 04
Begin to build up the highlights on the face, hands, and collar, using lighter shades of the base colors.
step 05
Refine the details of the face, including the eyes, nose, and mouth, paying attention to the subtle variations in skin tone.
step 06
Add details to the hair and clothing, using small brushstrokes to create texture and form.
step 07
Adjust the values and colors throughout the painting to create a sense of depth and realism.
step 08
Add final highlights and details to complete the painting.

color palette

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

secondary · burnt sienna · ultramarine blue

Achieve skin tones by mixing white, yellow ochre, and a touch of burnt sienna. Use ultramarine blue to cool down the skin tones in shadow areas. Create the dark background by mixing ivory black with a touch of raw umber.

techniques

·chiaroscuro
·glazing
·scumbling
·blending
·portraiture

common pitfalls

→Over-blending, resulting in a flat appearance.
→Incorrect proportions in the initial sketch.
→Failing to create enough contrast between light and shadow.
→Using colors that are too saturated, resulting in an unnatural look.

materials

surface · stretched canvas

required

·stretched canvas (16x20 inches)
·oil paints (ivory black, raw umber, titanium white, yellow ochre, burnt sienna, ultramarine blue)
·palette
·assorted brushes (round and flat)
·linseed oil
·turpentine or odorless mineral spirits
·palette knife