plate no. 7579

Portrait of Andrew Jackson

oil, canvasRomanticismportraitportraitfigureclothingchairdraperybooks

some experience helpful

Recreating this painting will help students develop skills in portraiture, including accurate proportions and capturing likeness. It also provides practice in rendering fabrics and creating a sense of depth through subtle value changes.

technical profile

palette complexity

brushwork visibility

value contrast

compositional simplicity

study guide

est. 20 hrs

approach — 8 steps

step 01
Sketch the basic composition, focusing on the proportions of the figure and the placement of key elements like the head, hands, and chair.
step 02
Establish the background with a thin wash of color, paying attention to the subtle gradations of light and shadow.
step 03
Block in the main shapes of the figure, using a limited palette of earth tones and black and white.
step 04
Begin to refine the features of the face, focusing on capturing the likeness of the subject.
step 05
Develop the details of the clothing, paying attention to the folds and wrinkles in the fabric.
step 06
Add the details of the chair, books, and drapery, using a variety of brushstrokes to create texture and interest.
step 07
Refine the overall composition, adjusting the values and colors as needed to create a sense of depth and atmosphere.
step 08
Add final details and highlights to complete the painting.

color palette

primary · ivory black · titanium white · burnt umber

secondary · cadmium red light · yellow ochre · ultramarine blue

Mix various shades of gray by combining black and white. Use small amounts of red and yellow to warm up the grays for the skin tones. Mix blue and umber for cooler shadows.

techniques