plate no. 4816

Portrait of Charles IV of Spain

oil, canvasRomanticismportraitportraitfigureclothingroyalman

some experience helpful

Recreating this painting will help students develop skills in portraiture, including accurate proportions and capturing likeness. It will also provide practice in rendering fabric and details.

technical profile

palette complexity

brushwork visibility

value contrast

compositional simplicity

study guide

est. 20 hrs

approach — 8 steps

step 01
Sketch the basic shapes and proportions of the figure on the canvas.
step 02
Block in the background with dark greens and browns, creating a soft, blended effect.
step 03
Establish the main values of the face, focusing on light and shadow.
step 04
Paint the red coat, paying attention to the folds and highlights.
step 05
Add the blue sash and other details of the clothing.
step 06
Carefully render the facial features, capturing the likeness of the subject.
step 07
Add the intricate details of the embroidery and decorations on the coat.
step 08
Refine the painting, adjusting values and adding final details.

color palette

primary · cadmium red · ivory black · titanium white

secondary · ultramarine blue · yellow ochre

Mix various shades of red by combining cadmium red with ivory black and titanium white. Use yellow ochre to warm up the red in certain areas. Achieve the background greens by mixing ivory black, yellow ochre, and a touch of ultramarine blue.

techniques