plate no. 4871

Heraclitus

oil, oakBaroqueportraitportraitfigureold manglobebeardhands

some experience helpful

Recreating this painting will help students develop skills in portraiture, particularly rendering skin tones and facial features with subtle value changes. It will also provide practice in creating a sense of depth and atmosphere through the use of chiaroscuro.

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 placement of the figure and the globe.
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 and clothing with mid-tone browns and grays.
step 04
Begin to build up the skin tones, using a mix of white, yellow ochre, and a touch of red.
step 05
Add highlights to the face, hands, and hair, paying attention to the direction of the light.
step 06
Refine the details of the facial features, such as the eyes, nose, and mouth.
step 07
Paint the globe, using muted colors and subtle variations in tone.
step 08
Add final details and adjust values as needed to create a sense of depth and realism.

color palette

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

secondary · cadmium red light · raw sienna

Mix skin tones by combining white, yellow ochre, and a touch of red. Use burnt umber and black to create dark shadows and muted browns for the clothing.

techniques