plate no. 9041

John Wesley (1703–1791)

oilRococoportraitportraitfigurebookclerical collarrobestable

some experience helpful

Recreating this painting will help students develop skills in portraiture, including accurate proportions and rendering of skin tones, as well as practice blending and layering to create depth and form.

technical profile

palette complexity

brushwork visibility

value contrast

compositional simplicity

study guide

est. 15 hrs

approach — 8 steps

step 01
Sketch the basic shapes and proportions of the figure, book, and table.
step 02
Establish the background with a thin wash of dark browns and reds.
step 03
Block in the main areas of color for the figure's robes, skin, and hair.
step 04
Begin layering and blending colors to create the form of the face, paying attention to highlights and shadows.
step 05
Refine the details of the hair, collar, and hands.
step 06
Add details to the book and table, focusing on texture and light.
step 07
Adjust the overall values and colors to create a sense of depth and harmony.
step 08
Add final highlights and details to complete the painting.

color palette

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

secondary · cadmium red light · yellow ochre

Mix skin tones by blending white, sienna, and a touch of red. Achieve dark robe colors by mixing black and umber, adding small amounts of red for warmth.

techniques