plate no. 3038

Jean Mariette, Engraver

oil, canvasBaroqueportraitportraitfiguremanwigbookpaper

some experience helpful

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

technical profile

palette complexity

brushwork visibility

value contrast

compositional simplicity

study guide

est. 20 hrs

approach — 8 steps

step 01
Create a light sketch of the composition, paying attention to proportions and placement of the figure.
step 02
Block in the main shapes and values with thin washes of color, focusing on the overall light and shadow pattern.
step 03
Begin building up the skin tones, using subtle color variations to create form and depth.
step 04
Develop the details of the wig, using small brushstrokes to create texture and volume.
step 05
Refine the clothing and background, paying attention to the folds and textures.
step 06
Add highlights and shadows to create a sense of depth and realism.
step 07
Glaze over areas to unify the colors and create a smooth finish.
step 08
Add final details and adjust values as needed.

color palette

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

secondary · burnt sienna · cadmium red light

Mix skin tones by blending white, yellow ochre, raw umber, and a touch of red. Use ivory black and raw umber for dark shadows. Add white to create highlights.

techniques

·chiaroscuro
·glazing
·portraiture
·blending
·scumbling

common pitfalls

→Overworking the details too early in the process.
→Failing to establish a strong value structure.
→Using colors that are too saturated.
→Not paying attention to the proportions of the figure.

materials

surface · stretched canvas

required

·stretched canvas
·oil paints (ivory black, raw umber, titanium white, yellow ochre, burnt sienna, cadmium red light)
·linseed oil
·turpentine
·assorted brushes (round and flat)
·palette
·palette knife
·rags