plate no. 0778

Portrait of a Man holding a coin of the Emperor Nero

oil, panelNorthern Renaissanceportraitportraitmancoinlandscapeskytrees

some experience helpful

Recreating this painting will help students develop skills in portraiture, including accurate proportions and subtle skin tone variations, as well as creating atmospheric perspective in the background landscape.

technical profile

palette complexity

brushwork visibility

value contrast

compositional simplicity

study guide

est. 25 hrs

approach — 8 steps

step 01
Sketch the basic composition, focusing on the proportions of the face and the placement of the figure within the landscape.
step 02
Block in the main areas of color: the skin tones, the dark clothing, the sky, and the landscape.
step 03
Begin refining the skin tones, using layers of thin paint to create subtle variations in color and value.
step 04
Add details to the face, such as the eyes, nose, and mouth, paying close attention to the light and shadow.
step 05
Develop the background landscape, using lighter colors and softer edges to create a sense of depth.
step 06
Paint the details of the clothing, including the white collar and the coin.
step 07
Refine the hair, using small brushstrokes to create texture and movement.
step 08
Add final details and highlights to the entire painting.

color palette

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

secondary · ultramarine blue · burnt sienna · cadmium red light

Mix skin tones by blending yellow ochre, burnt sienna, and titanium white. Use ultramarine blue and titanium white for the sky, and add a touch of burnt sienna to create a muted tone.

techniques