plate no. 7856
Malatesta Baglioni
Parmigianino, 1537
experienced study
Recreating this painting will help students develop skills in portraiture, including capturing likeness and rendering textures like fur and fabric. It also provides practice in creating subtle tonal variations to model form.
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 light sketch outlining the figure's pose and proportions.
- step 02
Block in the main areas of color, focusing on the background and robe.
- step 03
Develop the skin tones, paying attention to highlights and shadows.
- step 04
Begin rendering the details of the face, including the eyes, nose, and mouth.
- step 05
Work on the fur collar, using small brushstrokes to create texture.
- step 06
Add details to the robe, including the patterns and folds.
- step 07
Refine the background and add any final details.
- step 08
Add glazes to deepen shadows and enrich colors.
color palette
primary · burnt umber · ivory black · titanium white · yellow ochre
secondary · cadmium red · ultramarine blue · raw sienna
Mix various shades of brown by combining burnt umber, ivory black, and yellow ochre. Use white to lighten the tones and red/blue to adjust the temperature.
techniques
- ·portraiture
- ·glazing
- ·scumbling
- ·chiaroscuro
- ·rendering fur texture
common pitfalls
- →Getting the proportions of the face wrong.
- →Overworking the details too early.
- →Failing to create enough contrast between light and shadow.
- →Making the fur look flat and lifeless.
materials
surface · stretched canvas
required
- ·stretched canvas
- ·oil paints
- ·linseed oil
- ·turpentine
- ·assorted brushes (round and flat)
- ·palette
- ·palette knife
- ·rags
optional
- ·retouch varnish
- ·medium gloss
- ·mahl stick
Use high-quality oil paints for best results. Consider using a toned canvas to simplify the initial stages of painting.
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