plate no. 1704
Lorenzo de Medici 'The Magnificent'
Giorgio Vasari, 1534
experienced study
Recreating this painting will help students develop skills in portraiture, including capturing likeness and rendering realistic skin tones, as well as understanding chiaroscuro and creating depth through subtle value changes.
technical profile
palette complexity
4
brushwork visibility
3
value contrast
4
compositional simplicity
3
study guide
est. 25 hrsapproach — 8 steps
- step 01
Create a preliminary sketch outlining the basic shapes and proportions of the figure and background elements.
- step 02
Establish the overall value structure with a thin wash of burnt umber or a similar earth tone.
- step 03
Begin blocking in the main color areas, focusing on the large shapes of the clothing and background.
- step 04
Develop the skin tones using a limited palette and careful blending techniques.
- step 05
Refine the details of the face, paying close attention to the eyes, nose, and mouth.
- step 06
Add the details of the clothing, including the fur trim and the belt.
- step 07
Develop the background elements, including the urns and the inscription.
- step 08
Add final highlights and shadows to create a sense of depth and realism.
color palette
primary · ivory black · ultramarine blue · burnt umber · raw sienna
secondary · cadmium red light · yellow ochre · titanium white
Achieve the muted tones by mixing complementary colors and using white to adjust the value. Use thin glazes to build up color and depth.
techniques
- ·glazing
- ·chiaroscuro
- ·portraiture
- ·blending
- ·scumbling
common pitfalls
- →Getting the proportions of the face wrong.
- →Overworking the details too early in the process.
- →Using colors that are too bright or saturated.
- →Failing to create a sense of depth and atmosphere.
materials
surface · stretched canvas
required
- ·stretched canvas 18x24
- ·ivory black oil paint
- ·ultramarine blue oil paint
- ·burnt umber oil paint
- ·raw sienna oil paint
- ·titanium white oil paint
- ·round brushes (sizes 2, 4, 6)
- ·linseed oil
optional
- ·palette knife
- ·medium gloss
- ·cadmium red light
- ·yellow ochre
Use high-quality oil paints for best results. Consider using a toned canvas to help establish the overall value structure.
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