plate no. 6408

John Dolben

oilBaroqueportraitportraitfigureclothinglacehairhistorical

experienced study

Recreating this painting will help students develop skills in portraiture, including capturing likeness and rendering fabric textures. It will also improve their understanding of value and color relationships in low-light conditions.

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 figure's pose and proportions.
step 02
Block in the main areas of color: background, skin tones, clothing.
step 03
Establish the dark values in the background and hair.
step 04
Refine the skin tones, paying attention to subtle shifts in color and value.
step 05
Add details to the clothing, including the lace and folds of fabric.
step 06
Develop the highlights and shadows to create form and depth.
step 07
Add the final details, such as the facial features and jewelry.
step 08
Glaze to unify the colors and add depth.

color palette

primary · ivory black · ultramarine blue · burnt umber · titanium white

secondary · cadmium red light · yellow ochre · raw sienna

Mix skin tones with white, yellow ochre, and a touch of red. Create the blue of the coat by mixing ultramarine with white and a touch of black. Achieve the dark browns and blacks by mixing burnt umber, ivory black, and ultramarine.

techniques