plate no. 2403

Portrait of a child

oilAcademicismportraitfigureportraitchildclothinghatdark background

some experience helpful

This painting is great for learning how to create a focal point using light and shadow, and how to render fabric with subtle color variations. Students can also practice portraiture techniques and capturing a likeness.

technical profile

palette complexity

brushwork visibility

value contrast

compositional simplicity

study guide

est. 15 hrs

approach — 8 steps

step 01
Sketch the basic shapes and proportions of the figure, paying attention to the overall composition.
step 02
Establish the background with a dark, muted tone, leaving space for the figure.
step 03
Block in the main colors of the clothing, focusing on the overall value structure.
step 04
Begin to refine the details of the face, paying attention to the light and shadow.
step 05
Add details to the clothing, such as the fur trim and the folds in the fabric.
step 06
Refine the background and add subtle details to create depth.
step 07
Add final highlights and details to the face and clothing.
step 08
Glaze with thin layers of color to unify the painting and create a sense of depth.

color palette

primary · burnt umber · alizarin crimson · ivory black

secondary · yellow ochre · titanium white

Mix burnt umber and alizarin crimson for the main red tones, adding ivory black to darken and yellow ochre to warm. Use titanium white sparingly for highlights.

techniques