plate no. 4628

Henry Somerset

oilBaroqueportraitportraitfigureclothinghairjewelrydrapery

experienced study

Recreating this painting will help students develop skills in portraiture, including accurate proportions and rendering of skin tones, as well as practice in depicting complex textures like fabric and hair.

technical profile

palette complexity

brushwork visibility

value contrast

compositional simplicity

study guide

est. 25 hrs

approach — 8 steps

step 01
Sketch the basic proportions and pose of the figure, paying attention to the overall composition.
step 02
Establish the background with dark, muted tones, gradually building up depth.
step 03
Block in the main areas of color for the face, hair, and clothing.
step 04
Refine the facial features, focusing on accurate values and subtle color variations.
step 05
Develop the details of the hair, using layering and highlights to create volume and texture.
step 06
Work on the drapery and clothing, paying attention to folds, highlights, and shadows.
step 07
Add details such as jewelry and lace, using fine brushes for precision.
step 08
Make final adjustments to values and colors to create a cohesive and realistic portrait.

color palette

primary · ivory black · titanium white · burnt sienna · ultramarine blue

secondary · cadmium red · yellow ochre · raw umber

Achieve skin tones by mixing white, sienna, and a touch of red or yellow ochre. Darken colors with ivory black and lighten with titanium white. Use ultramarine blue to create shadows in the white fabrics.

techniques