plate no. 3919

Johan Frederik Struensee

oilNeoclassicismportraitportraitfiguremanclothinghairface

some experience helpful

This painting offers a good exercise in portraiture, focusing on subtle color variations in skin tones and achieving a likeness. Students will also learn about layering and blending to create soft transitions.

technical profile

palette complexity

brushwork visibility

value contrast

compositional simplicity

study guide

est. 12 hrs

approach — 8 steps

step 01
Begin with a light sketch outlining the basic shapes of the head, shoulders, and facial features.
step 02
Establish the background with a thin, even layer of muted gray.
step 03
Block in the main areas of color on the face, using a light pink base for the skin.
step 04
Add shadows and highlights to define the facial structure, paying attention to the subtle shifts in color.
step 05
Paint the hair, focusing on the overall shape and volume rather than individual strands.
step 06
Block in the clothing with the main colors, and add details like the collar and ribbon.
step 07
Refine the facial features, paying close attention to the eyes, nose, and mouth.
step 08
Add final details and adjust values to create a cohesive and realistic portrait.

color palette

primary · titanium white · raw umber · cadmium red light · ultramarine blue

secondary · yellow ochre · burnt sienna · ivory black

Mix various shades of pink for the skin by combining titanium white, cadmium red light, and a touch of raw umber or yellow ochre. Muted blues and grays are achieved by mixing ultramarine blue, raw umber, and titanium white.

techniques