plate no. 3134

Henry Cavendish (1630–1691), 2nd Duke of Newcastle

oil, canvasBaroqueportraitportraitfigurewigclothingframemale

experienced study

Recreating this painting will help students develop skills in portraiture, including capturing likeness and rendering realistic skin tones. It also provides practice in depicting complex textures like hair and fabric.

technical profile

palette complexity

brushwork visibility

value contrast

compositional simplicity

study guide

est. 20 hrs

approach — 8 steps

step 01
Sketch the basic shapes and proportions of the figure and frame on the canvas.
step 02
Establish the overall value structure with a thin wash of burnt umber.
step 03
Block in the main areas of color: skin, hair, clothing, and background.
step 04
Begin refining the skin tones, paying attention to subtle variations in color and value.
step 05
Develop the details of the hair, using small brushstrokes to create texture and volume.
step 06
Add details to the clothing, including the collar, sash, and medallion.
step 07
Refine the background and frame, adding highlights and shadows to create depth.
step 08
Add final details and highlights to complete the painting.

color palette

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

secondary · cadmium red light · ultramarine blue

Mix skin tones using titanium white, yellow ochre, cadmium red light, and a touch of burnt umber. Use ivory black and ultramarine blue to create the dark tones of the clothing and background. Lighten with white.

techniques