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home·artworks·John Beveridge, Esq
John Beveridge, Esq by George Harvey

plate no. 1976

John Beveridge, Esq

George Harvey

oilRomanticismportraitportraitfiguretablecandleinteriorclothing
some experience helpful

Recreating this painting will help students develop skills in portraiture, including capturing likeness and rendering realistic skin tones, as well as understanding the use of chiaroscuro to create depth and drama.

technical profile

palette complexity
3
brushwork visibility
3
value contrast
4
compositional simplicity
4

study guide

est. 20 hrs

approach — 8 steps

  1. step 01

    Sketch the basic composition, paying attention to the proportions of the figure and the placement of objects.

  2. step 02

    Establish the overall value structure with a thin wash of burnt umber or a similar earth tone.

  3. step 03

    Block in the main areas of color, focusing on the skin tones, clothing, and background.

  4. step 04

    Refine the facial features, paying close attention to the highlights and shadows to create a sense of form.

  5. step 05

    Develop the details of the clothing, table, and candle, adding subtle variations in color and texture.

  6. step 06

    Adjust the values and colors throughout the painting to create a cohesive and harmonious image.

  7. step 07

    Add final highlights and details to bring the painting to life.

  8. step 08

    Glaze with thin layers to adjust color and value as needed.

color palette

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

secondary · viridian green · cadmium yellow · alizarin crimson

Mix skin tones using white, yellow ochre, burnt umber, and a touch of red. Darken colors with burnt umber and black. Use viridian green and cadmium yellow to create the green of the table cloth.

techniques

  • ·portraiture
  • ·chiaroscuro
  • ·glazing
  • ·blending
  • ·value studies

common pitfalls

  • →Getting the proportions wrong in the initial sketch.
  • →Overworking the details before establishing the overall value structure.
  • →Creating muddy or dull colors by overmixing.
  • →Failing to capture the likeness of the subject.
  • →Ignoring the subtle variations in color and value.

materials

surface · stretched canvas

required

  • ·stretched canvas
  • ·oil paints
  • ·palette
  • ·linseed oil
  • ·turpentine
  • ·assorted brushes
  • ·palette knife

optional

  • ·medium gloss
  • ·varnish
  • ·easel
  • ·mahl stick

Use high-quality oil paints for best results. A medium-grit canvas will provide a good surface for painting.

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