plate no. 9491

Portrait of Alexander Keith of Ravelston, Midlothian

oil, canvasRomanticismportraitportraitfigurelandscapetreesclothingwalking stick

some experience helpful

This painting is a good exercise in portraiture and landscape blending. Students will develop skills in rendering form with light and shadow, and creating atmospheric perspective.

technical profile

palette complexity

brushwork visibility

value contrast

compositional simplicity

study guide

est. 15 hrs

approach — 8 steps

step 01
Sketch the basic composition, focusing on proportions and placement of the figure.
step 02
Establish the background landscape with broad washes of color, focusing on creating depth.
step 03
Block in the main shapes of the figure, paying attention to the overall silhouette.
step 04
Develop the light and shadow on the figure, defining the form with value changes.
step 05
Refine the facial features, capturing the likeness of the subject.
step 06
Add details to the clothing and accessories, such as buttons and the walking stick.
step 07
Blend the edges of the figure into the background to create a sense of atmosphere.
step 08
Add final highlights and details to complete the painting.

color palette

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

secondary · burnt sienna · ultramarine blue · cadmium red light

Mix various shades of brown and gray for the background and clothing. Use white to create highlights and lighter tones. Mix red and white for the skin tones.

techniques