plate no. 2107

John Abernethy

oilRomanticismportraitportraitfigureclothingdraperytablebooks

some experience helpful

Recreating this painting will help students develop skills in portraiture, including accurate proportions and capturing likeness. They will also learn to blend colors smoothly to create subtle gradations of light and shadow.

technical profile

palette complexity

brushwork visibility

value contrast

compositional simplicity

study guide

est. 15 hrs

approach — 8 steps

step 01
Sketch the basic shapes and proportions of the figure and background.
step 02
Establish the overall value structure with a thin wash of color.
step 03
Block in the main areas of color, such as the skin tones, clothing, and drapery.
step 04
Refine the facial features, paying close attention to the light and shadow.
step 05
Develop the details of the clothing, including the folds and textures.
step 06
Add highlights and shadows to create depth and dimension.
step 07
Paint the background, blending the colors smoothly.
step 08
Add final details and adjustments to complete the painting.

color palette

primary · ivory black · burnt umber · titanium white · cadmium red

secondary · yellow ochre · viridian

Mix skin tones using white, red, yellow ochre, and a touch of umber. Achieve the green coat by mixing black, yellow ochre, and a bit of viridian. Darken colors by adding black or burnt umber.

techniques