plate no. 9903

Governor Thomas McKean and His Son, Thomas, Jr.

oilRococoportraitportraitfigurestablebooksarchitecturedrapery

experienced study

Recreating this painting will help students develop skills in portraiture, including accurate proportions and capturing likeness, as well as rendering realistic textures and drapery folds.

technical profile

palette complexity

brushwork visibility

value contrast

compositional simplicity

study guide

est. 30 hrs

approach — 8 steps

step 01
Create a preliminary sketch to establish the composition and proportions of the figures and objects.
step 02
Block in the main shapes and values using thin washes of color.
step 03
Develop the background, starting with the darkest areas and gradually adding lighter tones.
step 04
Focus on the faces, carefully building up the skin tones and features using small, blended brushstrokes.
step 05
Refine the details of the clothing, paying attention to the folds and textures.
step 06
Paint the table and objects, capturing their form and surface qualities.
step 07
Add highlights and shadows to create depth and dimension.
step 08
Apply final glazes to unify the painting and enhance the colors.

color palette

primary · ivory black · raw umber · titanium white · cadmium red light

secondary · yellow ochre · viridian · alizarin crimson

Mix skin tones using white, red, yellow ochre, and a touch of umber. Achieve dark blacks by mixing ivory black with burnt umber. Create greens by mixing viridian with yellow ochre.

techniques