plate no. 8346

Portrait Of A Gentleman

oilRealismportraitportraitmansuitbeardclothingformal

some experience helpful

Recreating this painting will help students develop skills in portraiture, including accurate proportions and capturing likeness, as well as understanding how to create depth and form using subtle value changes.

technical profile

palette complexity

brushwork visibility

value contrast

compositional simplicity

study guide

est. 15 hrs

approach — 8 steps

step 01
Create a light sketch of the overall composition, paying attention to proportions and placement of the figure.
step 02
Block in the main areas of color with thin washes, focusing on the large shapes of the background, suit, and skin tones.
step 03
Begin to build up the values in the face, using subtle gradations to create form and volume.
step 04
Refine the details of the facial features, paying close attention to the eyes, nose, and mouth.
step 05
Work on the suit, adding details such as the buttons, lapels, and folds in the fabric.
step 06
Add the highlights and shadows to create depth and dimension in the suit and background.
step 07
Paint the beard and hair, using short, broken brushstrokes to create texture.
step 08
Add final details, such as the watch chain and any other small elements.

color palette

primary · ivory black · burnt umber · titanium white · cadmium red light

secondary · yellow ochre · ultramarine blue

Mix various shades of black and umber with white to create the dark tones of the suit and background. Use red, yellow ochre, and white to create the skin tones, and add small amounts of blue to cool down the shadows.

techniques