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home·artworks·Portrait of Count Johann II, Count of Montfort and Rothenfels
Portrait of Count Johann II, Count of Montfort and Rothenfels by Bernhard Strigel

plate no. 0696

Portrait of Count Johann II, Count of Montfort and Rothenfels

Bernhard Strigel, 1523

oil, woodNorthern Renaissanceportraitportraitfigurelandscapeclothingjewelrybackground
experienced study

Recreating this painting will help students develop skills in portraiture, including accurate proportions and rendering of skin tones, as well as practice with depicting textures and details in clothing and jewelry.

technical profile

palette complexity
4
brushwork visibility
3
value contrast
3
compositional simplicity
3

study guide

est. 25 hrs

approach — 8 steps

  1. step 01

    Begin with a light sketch to establish the basic proportions and composition.

  2. step 02

    Block in the main shapes and colors, focusing on the overall value structure.

  3. step 03

    Develop the background landscape, starting with the sky and mountains.

  4. step 04

    Refine the face, paying close attention to the light and shadow to create form.

  5. step 05

    Add details to the clothing, jewelry, and hat, using smaller brushes.

  6. step 06

    Paint the hands and the key, focusing on accurate rendering of form and texture.

  7. step 07

    Add the inscription at the bottom of the painting.

  8. step 08

    Make final adjustments to the colors and values to create a cohesive and realistic image.

color palette

primary · ivory black · raw umber · yellow ochre · titanium white

secondary · alizarin crimson · ultramarine blue · gold

Mix skin tones by blending white, yellow ochre, and a touch of raw umber and alizarin crimson. Achieve the dark blacks by mixing ivory black with a touch of ultramarine blue.

techniques

  • ·portraiture
  • ·glazing
  • ·scumbling
  • ·rendering
  • ·layering

common pitfalls

  • →Getting the proportions of the face wrong.
  • →Overworking the details too early in the process.
  • →Failing to create a sense of depth in the background.
  • →Using colors that are too saturated or unnatural.

materials

surface · stretched canvas

required

  • ·stretched canvas
  • ·oil paints
  • ·palette
  • ·assorted brushes (round and flat)
  • ·linseed oil
  • ·turpentine
  • ·palette knife

optional

  • ·medium gloss
  • ·retouch varnish
  • ·easel

Use high-quality oil paints for best results. A smooth canvas surface will make it easier to blend the colors.

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oil painting for beginners →how to learn by studying the masters →
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