plate no. 3302

Pasha Having His Mistress’s Portrait Painted

Charles-Andre van Loo (Carle van Loo), 1737

oil, canvasRococogenre paintingfiguresinteriorportraitsartistpaintingclothing

experienced study

Recreating this painting will help students develop skills in rendering complex figures, drapery, and interior spaces, as well as understanding color harmony and creating depth through atmospheric perspective.

technical profile

palette complexity

brushwork visibility

value contrast

compositional simplicity

study guide

est. 40 hrs

approach — 8 steps

step 01
Create a rough sketch of the composition, focusing on the placement of the figures and major elements.
step 02
Establish the overall color scheme by blocking in the main areas with thin washes of color.
step 03
Begin refining the figures, paying attention to proportions, anatomy, and drapery folds.
step 04
Develop the background elements, including the paintings on the wall and the interior details.
step 05
Work on the portrait on the easel, gradually building up the likeness of the subject.
step 06
Add highlights and shadows to create depth and dimension.
step 07
Refine the details, such as facial features, clothing textures, and decorative elements.
step 08
Apply final glazes to unify the painting and enhance the colors.

color palette

primary · burnt umber · yellow ochre · ultramarine blue · titanium white

secondary · cadmium red · ivory black · raw sienna

Achieve the subtle skin tones by mixing white, yellow ochre, and a touch of red or burnt umber. Use ultramarine blue and white for the cooler tones in the drapery. Mix burnt umber and ivory black for the darker shadows.

techniques

·underpainting
·glazing
·scumbling
·chiaroscuro
·drapery rendering

common pitfalls

→Incorrect proportions of figures
→Overly harsh or muddy colors
→Lack of attention to detail in drapery
→Failing to create depth and atmosphere
→Inaccurate rendering of facial features

materials

surface · stretched canvas

required

·Stretched canvas (24x30 inches)
·Oil paints (burnt umber, yellow ochre, ultramarine blue, titanium white, cadmium red, ivory black, raw sienna)
·Palette
·Assorted brushes (round, flat, filbert)
·Linseed oil
·Turpentine or odorless mineral spirits
·Palette knife
·Rags