plate no. 1635
Manuel de Arriaga
experienced study
Recreating this painting will help students develop skills in portraiture, including capturing likeness and creating realistic skin tones, as well as understanding how to use light and shadow to create depth and form.
technical profile
palette complexity
4
brushwork visibility
4
value contrast
3
compositional simplicity
3
study guide
est. 20 hrsapproach — 8 steps
- step 01
Sketch the basic composition, focusing on the placement of the figure and key objects.
- step 02
Establish the background with broad, loose strokes, paying attention to the overall color temperature.
- step 03
Block in the main shapes of the figure, using a limited palette of earth tones.
- step 04
Begin to refine the facial features, focusing on capturing the likeness of the subject.
- step 05
Develop the details of the clothing and hands, paying attention to the folds and textures.
- step 06
Add highlights and shadows to create depth and dimension.
- step 07
Refine the details of the books and other objects in the foreground.
- step 08
Make final adjustments to the overall composition and color balance.
color palette
primary · burnt umber · raw sienna · titanium white
secondary · cadmium red · yellow ochre · ivory black
Achieve skin tones by mixing burnt umber, raw sienna, and titanium white, with small amounts of cadmium red and yellow ochre for warmth. Use ivory black sparingly to create shadows.
techniques
- ·portraiture
- ·chiaroscuro
- ·alla prima
- ·glazing
- ·scumbling
common pitfalls
- →Getting lost in details too early in the process.
- →Failing to establish a strong value structure.
- →Overworking the painting and losing the freshness of the brushstrokes.
- →Inaccurate proportions in the initial sketch.
materials
surface · stretched canvas
required
- ·stretched canvas 18x24
- ·oil paints (burnt umber, raw sienna, titanium white, cadmium red, yellow ochre, ivory black)
- ·linseed oil
- ·turpentine
- ·assorted brushes (round and flat)
- ·palette
- ·palette knife
- ·rags
optional
- ·medium gloss
- ·retouch varnish
- ·easel
Use a medium-grit canvas for best results. Consider using a toned canvas to establish a base color.
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