plate no. 2172

Michael Russell, Agent Victualler of Dover

oilRococoportraitportraitfigurechairlandscapecloudsbuilding

some experience helpful

Recreating this painting will help students develop skills in portraiture, including capturing likeness and rendering realistic skin tones, as well as practicing blending and layering techniques to create depth and form.

technical profile

palette complexity

brushwork visibility

value contrast

compositional simplicity

study guide

est. 20 hrs

approach — 8 steps

step 01
Create a preliminary sketch to establish the composition and proportions of the figure and background.
step 02
Block in the main shapes and values using thin washes of color.
step 03
Begin to refine the facial features, paying close attention to the light and shadow.
step 04
Develop the details of the clothing and chair, using layering and blending techniques.
step 05
Paint the background landscape and clouds, focusing on creating atmospheric perspective.
step 06
Add highlights and details to the figure and background to create a sense of realism.
step 07
Refine the edges and transitions between different areas of the painting.
step 08
Add final glazes to unify the colors and create a polished finish.

color palette

primary · ivory black · raw umber · titanium white · cadmium red

secondary · viridian · yellow ochre · ultramarine blue

Mix various shades of brown and gray by combining ivory black, raw umber, and titanium white. Use cadmium red to create realistic skin tones, and mix viridian and yellow ochre to achieve the green of the chair.

techniques

·portraiture
·blending
·layering
·glazing
·atmospheric perspective

common pitfalls

→Incorrect proportions of the figure.
→Overblending, resulting in a flat, lifeless appearance.
→Neglecting the subtle variations in skin tone.
→Ignoring the atmospheric perspective in the background.

materials

surface · stretched canvas

required

·Stretched canvas 18x24
·Oil paints: ivory black, raw umber, titanium white, cadmium red, viridian, yellow ochre, ultramarine blue
·Assorted brushes (round and flat)
·Palette
·Linseed oil
·Odorless mineral spirits
·Palette knife
·Rags