plate no. 4960

John Loader Maffey, 1st Baron Rugby

Philip de Laszlo, 1923

oilImpressionismportraitportraitfiguremanclothingmedalbackground

some experience helpful

Recreating this painting will help students develop skills in portraiture, including capturing likeness and rendering form with subtle value changes. It also provides practice in creating a sense of depth and atmosphere with loose brushwork.

technical profile

palette complexity

brushwork visibility

value contrast

compositional simplicity

study guide

est. 12 hrs

approach — 8 steps

step 01
Create a light sketch of the figure's proportions and pose on the canvas.
step 02
Block in the main areas of color, focusing on the overall value structure.
step 03
Refine the facial features, paying close attention to the light and shadow.
step 04
Develop the details of the clothing and accessories, such as the medal.
step 05
Add highlights and shadows to create form and dimension.
step 06
Soften edges and blend colors to create a sense of atmosphere.
step 07
Add final details and adjust values as needed.
step 08
Varnish when dry for protection and to enhance colors.

color palette

primary · ivory black · raw umber · burnt sienna · titanium white

secondary · yellow ochre · cadmium yellow light · ultramarine blue

Mix various shades of brown and gray by combining the primary colors. Use white to lighten values and yellow ochre to create warm highlights.

techniques

·alla prima
·scumbling
·dry brushing
·value studies
·portraiture

common pitfalls

→Overworking the details, resulting in a stiff and unnatural appearance.
→Failing to capture the likeness of the subject.
→Using too much detail in the background, distracting from the main subject.
→Not establishing a strong value structure early on.

materials

surface · stretched canvas

required

·stretched canvas 16x20
·oil paints (ivory black, raw umber, burnt sienna, titanium white, yellow ochre, ultramarine blue)
·linseed oil
·odorless mineral spirits
·assorted brushes (round and flat)
·palette
·palette knife
·rags