plate no. 2151

Henry Mackenzie

oilRomanticismportraitportraitfiguremanclothingfacehair

some experience helpful

This painting is a great exercise in value control and creating form with subtle shifts in tone. Students will learn to mix realistic skin tones and create depth using chiaroscuro.

technical profile

palette complexity

brushwork visibility

value contrast

compositional simplicity

study guide

est. 12 hrs

approach — 8 steps

step 01
Prepare a toned canvas with a dark umber wash.
step 02
Lightly sketch the basic shapes of the head, shoulders, and collar.
step 03
Block in the darkest areas of the background and clothing with a dark brown/black mix.
step 04
Establish the main light source and begin building up the highlights on the face and collar with thin layers.
step 05
Mix a range of skin tones and apply them to the face, blending carefully to create smooth transitions.
step 06
Add details to the hair and facial features, paying attention to the subtle shifts in value.
step 07
Refine the highlights and shadows to create a sense of depth and form.
step 08
Add final details and adjust values as needed.

color palette

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

secondary · yellow ochre · burnt sienna

Skin tones are achieved by mixing white, red, yellow ochre, and a touch of umber. The background is primarily black with subtle variations of umber and sienna.

techniques