plate no. 0705

Isaac Smith

oil, canvasNeoclassicismportraitportraitfigureclothingdeskcurtainwriting

experienced study

Recreating this painting will help students develop skills in portraiture, including accurate proportions, rendering of fabric textures, and subtle color mixing for skin tones and shadows. It also provides practice in creating a sense of depth and form using light and shadow.

technical profile

palette complexity

brushwork visibility

value contrast

compositional simplicity

study guide

est. 20 hrs

approach — 8 steps

step 01
Create a light sketch outlining the basic shapes and proportions of the figure, desk, and background.
step 02
Block in the main areas of color, starting with the background and then the clothing.
step 03
Begin to refine the skin tones, paying close attention to the subtle variations in color and value.
step 04
Add details to the clothing, such as the buttons, cuffs, and folds.
step 05
Work on the desk and writing materials, adding highlights and shadows to create a sense of depth.
step 06
Refine the background, adding details to the curtain and other elements.
step 07
Add final highlights and shadows to the entire painting to create a sense of realism.
step 08
Let dry and add varnish.

color palette

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

secondary · yellow ochre · ultramarine blue · burnt sienna

Achieve the skin tones by mixing white, yellow ochre, cadmium red, and a touch of raw umber. The purple clothing can be created by mixing red, blue, and black. Use white to lighten the colors and create highlights.

techniques

·portraiture
·glazing
·scumbling
·chiaroscuro
·blending

common pitfalls

→Incorrect proportions of the figure.
→Overly harsh blending, resulting in a flat appearance.
→Inaccurate color mixing for skin tones.
→Neglecting the subtle variations in value and color.

materials

surface · stretched canvas

required

·Stretched canvas (18x24 inches)
·Oil paints (ivory black, raw umber, cadmium red, titanium white, yellow ochre, ultramarine blue, burnt sienna)
·Palette
·Assorted brushes (round and flat)
·Linseed oil
·Odorless mineral spirits
·Palette knife
·Rags