plate no. 2721

Otway, Third Baron Desart, Later First Viscount and First Earl of Desart

oilRococoportraitportraitfigureclothingarchitecturelandscapecolumn

experienced study

Recreating this painting will help students develop skills in portraiture, including accurate proportions, skin tone mixing, and rendering fine details in clothing and accessories. It also provides practice in creating atmospheric perspective in the background landscape.

technical profile

palette complexity

brushwork visibility

value contrast

compositional simplicity

study guide

est. 25 hrs

approach — 8 steps

step 01
Begin with a light sketch outlining the figure's pose and the main elements of the background.
step 02
Establish the overall value structure by blocking in the dark and light areas with thin washes of color.
step 03
Start painting the background, focusing on creating depth and atmospheric perspective.
step 04
Move on to the figure, beginning with the face and hands, carefully mixing skin tones and rendering the features.
step 05
Paint the clothing, paying attention to the folds and drapery, and the details of the uniform.
step 06
Add the highlights and shadows to create form and dimension.
step 07
Refine the details of the face, clothing, and background.
step 08
Add final glazes to unify the colors and create a sense of depth.

color palette

primary · cadmium red · titanium white · ivory black · yellow ochre

secondary · ultramarine blue · burnt umber · gold

Skin tones are achieved by mixing white, yellow ochre, red, and a touch of black. The red uniform is a mix of cadmium red and a touch of black for shadows. The background uses muted greens and blues, mixed with umber and white, to create atmospheric perspective.

techniques