Portrait of Alfonso I d'Este

approach — 8 steps

color palette

primary · ultramarine blue · raw umber · ivory black · titanium white

secondary · cadmium red · yellow ochre · burnt sienna

Achieve the metallic sheen of the armor by mixing grays with touches of blue, yellow, and brown. Create atmospheric perspective in the background by layering thin washes of blue and gray.

techniques

• ·glazing
• ·scumbling
• ·dry brushing
• ·chiaroscuro
• ·atmospheric perspective

common pitfalls

• →Overworking the details of the armor, resulting in a flat and lifeless appearance.
• →Failing to create a convincing sense of depth in the background.
• →Inaccurate proportions in the figure's face and body.
• →Using colors that are too saturated, resulting in an unrealistic and garish effect.