plate no. 1915

Portrait of Benvenuti Gonzalez del Campillo

Carlos Saenz de Tejada, 1920

oilExpressionismportraitportraitfigureveildressfacehead covering

some experience helpful

Recreating this painting will help students develop skills in portraiture, particularly in capturing the subtle color variations in skin tones and the delicate details of the veil. It also offers practice in rendering fabric and creating a sense of depth through layering and color blending.

technical profile

palette complexity

brushwork visibility

value contrast

compositional simplicity

study guide

est. 15 hrs

approach — 8 steps

step 01
Lightly sketch the basic shapes and proportions of the figure, focusing on the head, shoulders, and the overall pose.
step 02
Block in the background with a thin layer of blue and gray, establishing the overall tone.
step 03
Establish the main areas of light and shadow on the figure's face, neck, and arms using a limited palette of skin tones.
step 04
Begin layering colors to build up the form and create subtle transitions between light and shadow.
step 05
Paint the white dress, paying attention to the folds and how light interacts with the fabric.
step 06
Carefully render the veil, focusing on the intricate patterns and the way it drapes over the figure.
step 07
Add details to the face, such as the eyes, nose, and mouth, to capture the likeness of the subject.
step 08
Refine the overall painting by adjusting colors, values, and details as needed.

color palette

primary · titanium white · ultramarine blue · cadmium red light · yellow ochre

secondary · burnt sienna · raw umber · viridian

Mix skin tones by blending white, red, yellow ochre, and a touch of blue. Achieve the veil's delicate patterns by mixing white with small amounts of yellow ochre and burnt sienna.

techniques