plate no. 4328

John Duns Scotus

oil, panelNorthern Renaissanceportraitportraitfigurebookrobearchitectureinterior

some experience helpful

Recreating this painting will help students develop skills in portraiture, including accurate proportions and subtle value gradations for modeling form. It also provides practice in rendering fabric and creating a sense of depth through atmospheric perspective.

technical profile

palette complexity

brushwork visibility

value contrast

compositional simplicity

study guide

est. 15 hrs

approach — 8 steps

step 01
Lightly sketch the basic composition, focusing on the proportions of the figure and the placement of key elements like the book and hands.
step 02
Establish the background color with a thin wash of green and gray, paying attention to the subtle variations in tone.
step 03
Block in the main shapes of the figure's robe and hat with a mid-tone brown, gradually building up darker shadows and lighter highlights.
step 04
Begin to refine the features of the face, focusing on accurate placement and proportions. Use subtle value changes to create a sense of volume.
step 05
Carefully render the hands, paying attention to the complex shapes and the way light interacts with the skin.
step 06
Add details to the book, including the spine, pages, and any decorative elements.
step 07
Refine the architectural elements in the background, adding details and adjusting values to create a sense of depth.
step 08
Make final adjustments to the overall composition, ensuring that the values and colors are balanced and harmonious.

color palette

primary · burnt umber · raw sienna · titanium white

secondary · viridian green · ivory black · cadmium red light

Mix various shades of brown by combining burnt umber, raw sienna, and ivory black. Use titanium white to lighten these colors and create highlights. Add small amounts of cadmium red light to warm up the skin tones.

techniques