plate no. 3089
Matthias, Holy Roman Emperor, as King of Bohemia
Hans von Aachen, 1612
experienced study
Recreating this painting will help students develop skills in portraiture, fabric rendering, and creating a sense of depth using value and color. It also offers practice in painting intricate details and patterns.
technical profile
palette complexity
4
brushwork visibility
3
value contrast
4
compositional simplicity
3
study guide
est. 25 hrsapproach — 8 steps
- step 01
Sketch the basic composition, focusing on proportions and placement of the figure and key elements.
- step 02
Establish the background with dark, muted tones.
- step 03
Block in the main shapes of the figure and clothing, using simplified color masses.
- step 04
Develop the skin tones, paying attention to subtle variations in light and shadow.
- step 05
Begin rendering the fabric, focusing on the folds and patterns.
- step 06
Add details to the crown, scepter, and other accessories.
- step 07
Refine the overall composition, adjusting values and colors as needed.
- step 08
Add final highlights and details to create a sense of realism.
color palette
primary · ultramarine blue · gold ochre · ivory black · burnt umber
secondary · cadmium red · viridian green
Achieve the fabric's blue-green hue by mixing ultramarine blue with a touch of gold ochre and white. Use burnt umber and ivory black for the dark background and shadows. Mix small amounts of cadmium red with other colors to create the subtle red tones in the face and drapery.
techniques
- ·glazing
- ·scumbling
- ·chiaroscuro
- ·rendering of textures
- ·portraiture
common pitfalls
- →Overworking the details too early in the process.
- →Failing to establish a strong value structure.
- →Getting lost in the complexity of the fabric pattern.
- →Ignoring the subtle variations in skin tone.
materials
surface · stretched canvas
required
- ·stretched canvas
- ·oil paints
- ·palette
- ·palette knife
- ·assorted brushes (round and flat)
- ·linseed oil
- ·turpentine
- ·rags
optional
- ·medium gloss
- ·retouch varnish
- ·easel
Use high-quality oil paints for best results. Consider using a medium to improve the flow and blending of the paints.
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