plate no. 8573

John Charles Spencer, 3rd Earl Spencer

oilRomanticismportraitportraitfigureclothingbookstabledrapery

some experience helpful

Recreating this painting will help students develop skills in portraiture, including accurate proportions and capturing likeness, as well as understanding subtle value shifts to create form and depth.

technical profile

palette complexity

brushwork visibility

value contrast

compositional simplicity

study guide

est. 15 hrs

approach — 8 steps

step 01
Create a light sketch of the overall composition, paying attention to proportions and placement of the figure and objects.
step 02
Establish the background with broad, blended strokes of muted purples and browns.
step 03
Block in the main shapes of the figure, focusing on the dark values of the clothing and hair.
step 04
Begin to refine the facial features, paying close attention to the highlights and shadows to create form.
step 05
Add details to the clothing, such as the buttons and folds, using smaller brushes and more precise strokes.
step 06
Paint the books and table, using similar techniques as the background to create a sense of depth.
step 07
Add highlights to the face, hands, and clothing to create a sense of light and dimension.
step 08
Refine the details and make any necessary adjustments to the composition and values.

color palette

primary · ivory black · raw umber · burnt umber

secondary · titanium white · alizarin crimson · ultramarine blue

Mix various shades of brown and purple by combining raw umber, burnt umber, alizarin crimson, and ultramarine blue. Use titanium white to lighten the values and create highlights.

techniques