plate no. 3586

James Carrick Moore (1763–1834), Surgeon and Associate of Edward Jenner

oilRococoportraitportraitfiguremanclothingbookface

some experience helpful

Recreating this painting will help students develop skills in portraiture, including capturing likeness and rendering realistic skin tones. It also provides practice in creating depth and form using subtle value changes.

technical profile

palette complexity

brushwork visibility

value contrast

compositional simplicity

study guide

est. 15 hrs

approach — 8 steps

step 01
Lightly sketch the basic shapes and proportions of the head, shoulders, and book.
step 02
Establish the overall value structure with a thin wash of burnt umber or a similar earth tone.
step 03
Block in the main areas of color: skin, hair, clothing, and background.
step 04
Begin refining the facial features, paying close attention to the highlights and shadows.
step 05
Develop the details of the clothing, including the collar and any folds or wrinkles.
step 06
Add details to the hand and book, focusing on the light and shadow to create form.
step 07
Refine the background, ensuring it complements the figure without distracting from it.
step 08
Add final highlights and details to complete the painting.

color palette

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

secondary · yellow ochre · burnt sienna

Mix skin tones by combining titanium white, cadmium red light, yellow ochre, and a touch of raw umber. Darken colors with ivory black and raw umber, and lighten with titanium white.

techniques