plate no. 2640

Greek Clergyman

oil, canvasBaroqueportraitfigureportraitclergymanarchitecturecolumnrobe

some experience helpful

Recreating this painting will help students understand how to create depth using value and how to mix subtle variations of dark colors. It also provides practice in rendering realistic figures and drapery.

technical profile

palette complexity

brushwork visibility

value contrast

compositional simplicity

study guide

est. 15 hrs

approach — 8 steps

step 01
Sketch the basic composition, focusing on the figure's proportions and the architectural elements.
step 02
Establish the dark background using a thin wash of burnt umber and black.
step 03
Block in the main shapes of the figure with mid-tone values, paying attention to the fall of light.
step 04
Start building up the beard with layers of burnt sienna, raw sienna, and white.
step 05
Refine the details of the face, focusing on the eyes and mouth.
step 06
Develop the folds and shadows in the robe, using darker values to create depth.
step 07
Add highlights to the column and the floor to create contrast.
step 08
Glaze the entire painting with a thin layer of burnt umber to unify the colors and create a sense of age.

color palette

primary · burnt umber · ivory black · titanium white · raw sienna

secondary · burnt sienna · ultramarine blue · yellow ochre

Mix various shades of brown and black by combining burnt umber, ivory black, and small amounts of ultramarine blue. Use white to create lighter values and raw sienna to add warmth.

techniques

·underpainting
·glazing
·scumbling
·chiaroscuro
·portraiture

common pitfalls

→Overworking the details too early in the process.
→Not establishing a strong value structure.
→Using too much white, which can make the colors look chalky.
→Ignoring the subtle color variations in the shadows.

materials

surface · stretched canvas

required

·stretched canvas (18x24 inches)
·oil paints (burnt umber, ivory black, titanium white, raw sienna, burnt sienna, ultramarine blue, yellow ochre)
·linseed oil
·turpentine or odorless mineral spirits
·palette
·assorted brushes (round and flat)
·palette knife