plate no. 4027

Jan Christian Smuts, Chancellor of the University (1948–1950), General of Boer Forces in Cape Colony, Prime Minister of South Africa

Arthur Pan, 1944

oil, canvasRealismportraitportraitfiguremilitary uniformmanhistorical figureclothing

some experience helpful

Recreating this painting will help students develop skills in portraiture, including accurate proportions, capturing likeness, and rendering realistic skin tones and textures. It also provides practice in painting detailed clothing and understanding 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, paying attention to the placement of facial features.
step 02
Establish the background with a thin wash of dark brown, gradually building up darker values in the shadows.
step 03
Block in the main areas of the face with basic skin tones, focusing on the overall value structure.
step 04
Refine the facial features, adding details like wrinkles, highlights, and shadows to create depth and realism.
step 05
Paint the uniform, starting with the base color and then adding details like buttons, ribbons, and epaulettes.
step 06
Pay close attention to the folds and creases in the clothing to create a sense of volume.
step 07
Add highlights and shadows to the hair and beard to create texture and dimension.
step 08
Make final adjustments to the values and colors to ensure a cohesive and realistic painting.

color palette

primary · raw umber · titanium white · cadmium yellow · alizarin crimson

secondary · ultramarine blue · burnt sienna · ivory black

Mix skin tones by blending white, yellow, red, and a touch of blue. Use raw umber and black for shadows. Achieve the uniform color by mixing yellow, blue, and a touch of red.

techniques