plate no. 1628

Miniature from the first page of the Chroniques de Hainaut

oilNorthern Renaissanceportraitfiguresinteriorportraitclothingdogtile floor

some experience helpful

Recreating this painting will help students develop skills in figure drawing, rendering fabric textures, and understanding the use of color to create depth and form. It will also introduce them to the conventions of Northern Renaissance portraiture.

technical profile

palette complexity

brushwork visibility

value contrast

compositional simplicity

study guide

est. 20 hrs

approach — 8 steps

step 01
Begin with a light sketch of the overall composition, paying attention to the placement and proportions of the figures.
step 02
Establish the background elements, such as the wall hanging and the tiled floor, using simplified shapes and colors.
step 03
Block in the main colors of the figures' clothing, focusing on the large areas of color and value.
step 04
Refine the shapes and details of the figures, adding subtle variations in color and tone to create depth and form.
step 05
Add details to the faces, paying attention to the subtle expressions and features of each individual.
step 06
Render the textures of the fabrics, using small brushstrokes and variations in color to create the illusion of depth and texture.
step 07
Add highlights and shadows to create a sense of volume and dimension.
step 08
Refine the details of the background, adding subtle variations in color and tone to create depth and atmosphere.

color palette

primary · red · blue · black · gold

secondary · green · grey · white · brown

Mix muted tones by combining primary colors with white and small amounts of complementary colors. Achieve the rich reds and blues by layering transparent glazes.

techniques