plate no. 2862

Mr. and Mrs. Alexander Robinson

oilRococoportraitfiguresportraitclothinghairlandscapesky

some experience helpful

Recreating this painting will help students develop skills in portraiture, including accurate proportions and rendering of skin tones, as well as blending techniques for creating soft transitions and subtle shadows.

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 to establish the composition and proportions of the figures.
step 02
Block in the main shapes and colors, focusing on the overall value structure.
step 03
Develop the background with soft, blended brushstrokes.
step 04
Refine the skin tones, paying attention to subtle variations in color and value.
step 05
Add details to the clothing, hair, and accessories.
step 06
Create the highlights and shadows to define the forms and add depth.
step 07
Refine the facial features, capturing the likeness of the subjects.
step 08
Add final details and adjust values as needed to create a cohesive and polished painting.

color palette

primary · ivory black · titanium white · yellow ochre · raw umber

secondary · cadmium red light · ultramarine blue · burnt sienna

Achieve skin tones by mixing white, yellow ochre, a touch of red, and a hint of umber or blue. Use ivory black and raw umber for dark clothing, lightened with white for highlights. Mix ultramarine blue with white and a touch of yellow ochre for the sky.

techniques