plate no. 1888

Portrait of Augustus Leopold Egg

oilRomanticismportraitportraitfigurehatclothingdark background

some experience helpful

Recreating this painting will help students develop skills in portraiture, including capturing likeness and rendering form with loose brushstrokes. It also provides practice in creating depth and atmosphere through value control and limited color palette.

technical profile

palette complexity

brushwork visibility

value contrast

compositional simplicity

study guide

est. 12 hrs

approach — 8 steps

step 01
Lightly sketch the basic shapes and proportions of the figure, hat, and clothing.
step 02
Establish the overall value structure by blocking in the dark background and shadows on the figure.
step 03
Begin layering in the mid-tones and highlights on the face, hat, and clothing, focusing on the planes of the forms.
step 04
Refine the facial features, paying attention to the subtle variations in skin tone and the direction of light.
step 05
Add details to the clothing and accessories, such as the collar and sash, using thicker paint and bolder brushstrokes.
step 06
Soften edges and blend areas where necessary to create a sense of atmosphere and depth.
step 07
Add final highlights and details to the eyes and other focal points.
step 08
Review the painting and make any necessary adjustments to the composition, value, or color.

color palette

primary · raw umber · ivory black · titanium white

secondary · yellow ochre · burnt sienna

Mix various shades of brown and gray by combining raw umber, ivory black, and titanium white. Use yellow ochre and burnt sienna to add warmth to the skin tones and clothing.

techniques