plate no. 7427

Portrait of Armand-Jean du Plessis, Cardinal Richelieu

oil, canvasBaroqueportraitportraitfigurecardinalrobedraperyarchitecture

experienced study

Recreating this painting will help students develop skills in portraiture, including capturing likeness and rendering realistic fabric folds and textures. It also provides practice in creating a sense of depth and atmosphere.

technical profile

palette complexity

brushwork visibility

value contrast

compositional simplicity

study guide

est. 30 hrs

approach — 8 steps

step 01
Create a preliminary sketch to establish the composition and proportions of the figure and background.
step 02
Block in the main shapes and values using thin washes of color.
step 03
Begin to refine the details of the face, paying close attention to the light and shadow.
step 04
Develop the folds and textures of the robe, using a variety of brushstrokes and color variations.
step 05
Paint the background, creating a sense of depth and atmosphere.
step 06
Add the architectural details and landscape elements.
step 07
Refine the highlights and shadows throughout the painting.
step 08
Add final details and adjustments to complete the work.

color palette

primary · red ochre · titanium white · ivory black

secondary · ultramarine blue · yellow ochre · burnt umber

Achieve the rich red of the robe by mixing red ochre with a touch of burnt umber and titanium white for highlights. Create the subtle variations in the drapery by adding small amounts of other colors, such as yellow ochre or ultramarine blue.

techniques

·glazing
·scumbling
·chiaroscuro
·portraiture
·drapery study

common pitfalls

→Getting the proportions of the figure wrong.
→Failing to capture the likeness of the subject.
→Overworking the details and losing the overall sense of form.
→Creating flat, lifeless colors.

materials

surface · stretched canvas

required

·stretched canvas 24x36
·oil paints (red ochre, titanium white, ivory black, ultramarine blue, yellow ochre, burnt umber)
·linseed oil
·turpentine
·assorted brushes (round, flat, filbert)
·palette
·palette knife
·rags