plate no. 0367

Pictura (an Allegory of Painting)

oilBaroqueportraitportraitfigureallegorypalettesculpturemask

experienced study

Recreating this painting will help students develop skills in portraiture, including capturing likeness and rendering realistic skin tones, as well as understanding how to depict complex textures and drapery.

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 overall composition and proportions of the figure and objects.
step 02
Block in the main areas of color, focusing on the background, the figure's skin tones, and the drapery.
step 03
Develop the values and shading within each area, paying close attention to the light source and how it affects the forms.
step 04
Refine the details of the face, including the eyes, nose, and mouth, to capture the likeness of the subject.
step 05
Add details to the drapery, palette, sculpture, and mask, focusing on texture and form.
step 06
Work on the gold chain, using highlights and shadows to create a sense of depth and dimension.
step 07
Make final adjustments to the overall composition, ensuring that the values and colors are balanced and harmonious.
step 08
Add final highlights and details to create a polished and refined finish.

color palette

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

secondary · cadmium red light · ultramarine blue · raw sienna

Mix skin tones using white, yellow ochre, burnt umber, and a touch of red. Achieve the drapery's color by blending black, umber, and blue with hints of red for the highlights.

techniques

·glazing
·scumbling
·chiaroscuro
·portraiture
·drapery rendering

common pitfalls

→Getting the proportions of the face wrong.
→Overblending the skin tones, resulting in a flat, lifeless appearance.
→Failing to capture the subtle variations in color and value.
→Neglecting the details of the drapery and other objects.

materials

surface · stretched canvas

required

·Stretched canvas 16x20
·Oil paints (ivory black, burnt umber, yellow ochre, titanium white, cadmium red light, ultramarine blue, raw sienna)
·Assorted brushes (round, flat, filbert)
·Palette
·Palette knife
·Odorless mineral spirits
·Linseed oil
·Soft cloths