plate no. 2215

Portrait of a man, possibly Nicolaes Hasselaer

oilBaroqueportraitportraitmanlace collarchairclothinghair

some experience helpful

Recreating this portrait will help students develop skills in portraiture, particularly in capturing likeness and rendering fabric textures. It also provides practice in creating a sense of depth and form using a limited color palette.

technical profile

palette complexity

brushwork visibility

value contrast

compositional simplicity

study guide

est. 15 hrs

approach — 8 steps

step 01
Begin with a light sketch to establish the proportions and pose of the figure.
step 02
Block in the main shapes and areas of color using thin washes.
step 03
Establish the background color and value.
step 04
Develop the facial features, paying close attention to the light and shadow.
step 05
Work on the clothing, focusing on the folds and textures.
step 06
Render the lace collar, using small brushstrokes to create the intricate details.
step 07
Add highlights and shadows to create depth and dimension.
step 08
Refine the details and make any necessary adjustments.

color palette

primary · burnt umber · raw sienna · ivory black · titanium white

secondary · yellow ochre · red ochre

Mix various shades of brown and beige by blending burnt umber, raw sienna, and white. Use black sparingly to create shadows. Add small amounts of yellow ochre or red ochre to warm up the skin tones.

techniques