plate no. 0811

James Sotheby

oilBaroqueportraitportraitfigureclothinglacedraperycolumn

some experience helpful

Recreating this painting will help students develop skills in portraiture, including capturing likeness and rendering fabric folds with subtle value changes. It also provides practice in creating a sense of depth and atmosphere using a limited color palette.

technical profile

palette complexity

brushwork visibility

value contrast

compositional simplicity

study guide

est. 20 hrs

approach — 8 steps

step 01
Lightly sketch the basic shapes and proportions of the figure and background.
step 02
Establish the main areas of light and shadow with thin washes of color.
step 03
Begin building up the skin tones, paying attention to subtle color variations.
step 04
Define the drapery folds with darker values and soft blending.
step 05
Add details to the lace and clothing, using fine brushstrokes.
step 06
Refine the facial features, focusing on capturing the likeness.
step 07
Adjust the overall values and contrast to create depth and atmosphere.
step 08
Add final highlights and details to complete the painting.

color palette

primary · ivory black · raw umber · burnt sienna · titanium white

secondary · ultramarine blue · yellow ochre · cadmium red (small amount)

Mix various shades of brown and gray by combining black, umber, and white. Add small amounts of blue or red to create cooler or warmer tones. Use yellow ochre to warm up skin tones.

techniques

·grisaille underpainting
·glazing
·scumbling
·chiaroscuro
·portraiture

common pitfalls

→Overworking the details too early in the process.
→Failing to establish a strong value structure.
→Using colors that are too saturated or bright.
→Losing the likeness of the subject.

materials

surface · stretched canvas

required

·stretched canvas (16x20 inches)
·oil paints (ivory black, raw umber, burnt sienna, titanium white, ultramarine blue, yellow ochre, cadmium red)
·linseed oil
·turpentine or odorless mineral spirits
·palette
·assorted brushes (round and flat)
·palette knife
·rags or paper towels