plate no. 6611

Jonathan Trumbull Jr with Mrs Trumbull and Faith Trumbull

oilNeoclassicismportraitportraitfamilytableclothingdraperyfigures

some experience helpful

Recreating this painting will help students develop skills in portraiture, including capturing likenesses and rendering realistic skin tones. It also provides practice in painting drapery and creating a sense of depth through subtle value changes.

technical profile

palette complexity

brushwork visibility

value contrast

compositional simplicity

study guide

est. 20 hrs

approach — 8 steps

step 01
Begin with a light sketch to establish the composition and proportions of the figures and objects.
step 02
Block in the main shapes and colors of the background, table, and clothing.
step 03
Start refining the facial features, paying close attention to the light and shadow to create form.
step 04
Develop the drapery and clothing, adding folds and details to create texture and depth.
step 05
Work on the details of the table and objects, such as the fruit basket.
step 06
Refine the overall composition and adjust values as needed to create a cohesive and balanced painting.
step 07
Add final highlights and details to bring the painting to life.
step 08
Allow to dry and apply a varnish to protect the painting.

color palette

primary · Prussian blue · Burnt umber · Titanium white · Yellow ochre

secondary · Cadmium red · Ivory black

Mix various shades of brown and gray by combining burnt umber, ivory black, and titanium white. Achieve skin tones by blending yellow ochre, cadmium red, and titanium white. Use Prussian blue and white for the blue coat.

techniques

·Portraiture
·Blending
·Layering
·Glazing
·Scumbling

common pitfalls

→Incorrect proportions of the figures.
→Overly harsh or flat lighting.
→Lack of attention to detail in the drapery and clothing.
→Inaccurate skin tones.

materials

surface · Stretched canvas

required

·Stretched canvas (18x24 inches)
·Oil paints (Prussian blue, Burnt umber, Titanium white, Yellow ochre, Cadmium red, Ivory black)
·Assorted brushes (round and flat)
·Palette
·Palette knife
·Odorless mineral spirits
·Linseed oil
·Rags