plate no. 2184

Portrait of a Boy, Said to Be the Artist's Son, Aged 8

oilBaroqueportraitfigureportraittablestill lifedraperychair

experienced study

Recreating this painting will help students develop skills in portraiture, including capturing likeness and rendering realistic skin tones, as well as practicing the depiction of fabrics and textures.

technical profile

palette complexity

brushwork visibility

value contrast

compositional simplicity

study guide

est. 30 hrs

approach — 8 steps

step 01
Create a preliminary sketch to establish the composition and proportions of the figure and objects.
step 02
Block in the main shapes and colors, focusing on the overall value structure.
step 03
Develop the background and drapery, paying attention to the subtle variations in tone and color.
step 04
Refine the figure's features, focusing on accurate proportions and realistic skin tones.
step 05
Add details to the clothing and accessories, capturing the textures and patterns.
step 06
Paint the still life elements on the table, paying attention to light and shadow.
step 07
Adjust the overall composition and values to create a sense of depth and realism.
step 08
Add final highlights and details to complete the painting.

color palette

primary · ivory black · burnt umber · cadmium red · yellow ochre

secondary · titanium white · raw sienna · ultramarine blue

Achieve the skin tones by mixing titanium white, cadmium red, and yellow ochre, with small amounts of burnt umber for shadows. Create the gray-blue of the suit by mixing ivory black, ultramarine blue, and titanium white.

techniques