plate no. 7500

Hendrick Bicker, Burgemeester Van Amsterdam

canvas, oilBaroqueportraitportraitfigureclothinglandscapetreeshistorical

experienced study

Recreating this painting will help students develop skills in portraiture, including accurate proportions and rendering of light and shadow to create form. It also provides practice in capturing the textures of different fabrics and materials.

technical profile

palette complexity

brushwork visibility

value contrast

compositional simplicity

study guide

est. 25 hrs

approach — 8 steps

step 01
Create a preliminary sketch to establish the composition and proportions of the figure.
step 02
Block in the main shapes and areas of color using thin washes.
step 03
Establish the darkest and lightest values to create a sense of depth and form.
step 04
Begin to refine the details of the face, hair, and clothing, paying close attention to the light and shadow.
step 05
Develop the background, using soft, blended brushstrokes to create a sense of atmosphere.
step 06
Add details to the lace and other intricate elements.
step 07
Glaze layers to deepen shadows and enrich colors.
step 08
Add final highlights and details to complete the painting.

color palette

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

secondary · cadmium yellow · alizarin crimson · ultramarine blue

Achieve skin tones by mixing titanium white, yellow ochre, and a touch of alizarin crimson. Create dark shadows with ivory black and burnt umber. Use glazes of alizarin crimson and burnt umber to enrich the colors of the clothing.

techniques