plate no. 0019

Mr. Robert Grafton and Mrs. Mary Partridge Wells Grafton

oil, canvasRococoportraitfiguresportraitdoglandscapeinteriorflowers

some experience helpful

Recreating this painting will help students develop skills in portraiture, including capturing likeness and rendering fabric textures. It also provides practice in creating a sense of depth and atmosphere.

technical profile

palette complexity

brushwork visibility

value contrast

compositional simplicity

study guide

est. 20 hrs

approach — 8 steps

step 01
Create a light sketch outlining the main figures, dog, and background elements.
step 02
Block in the main color areas for the figures, background, and foreground.
step 03
Develop the values and forms of the figures, paying attention to light and shadow.
step 04
Refine the details of the faces, clothing, and accessories.
step 05
Add details to the background landscape and interior elements.
step 06
Work on the dog, capturing its form and texture.
step 07
Blend and refine the transitions between colors and values.
step 08
Add final highlights and details to complete the painting.

color palette

primary · burnt umber · cadmium red · titanium white · yellow ochre

secondary · viridian · ivory black · raw sienna

Mix various shades of brown and red for the figures' clothing. Use white to lighten colors and create highlights. Mix greens and browns for the background landscape.

techniques