plate no. 8907

Portrait of Doctor Federigo Ermanno Filippi

oilRomanticismportraitportraitfiguremanbusttableclothing

some experience helpful

Recreating this painting will help students develop skills in portraiture, including accurate proportions and capturing likeness, as well as understanding subtle tonal variations to create form.

technical profile

palette complexity

brushwork visibility

value contrast

compositional simplicity

study guide

est. 20 hrs

approach — 8 steps

step 01
Begin with a light sketch outlining the basic shapes and proportions of the figure, bust, and table.
step 02
Establish the background with a thin wash of neutral color, paying attention to the subtle gradations of light and shadow.
step 03
Block in the main areas of the figure's clothing with broad strokes, focusing on the overall value structure.
step 04
Start refining the facial features, paying close attention to the proportions and placement of the eyes, nose, and mouth.
step 05
Develop the details of the clothing, including the folds and creases, using a combination of layering and blending techniques.
step 06
Work on the bust, capturing its form and texture with careful observation of light and shadow.
step 07
Add the details of the table and the papers, paying attention to their textures and how they interact with the light.
step 08
Make final adjustments to the values and colors to create a sense of depth and realism.

color palette

primary · ivory black · raw umber · burnt umber · titanium white

secondary · cadmium red light · viridian

Mix various shades of brown and black with white to create the tonal range for the clothing and background. Use small amounts of red and green to add warmth and coolness to the skin tones.

techniques

·portrait drawing
·tonal layering
·blending
·glazing
·scumbling

common pitfalls

→Incorrect proportions of the figure, especially the face.
→Over-blending, resulting in a flat and lifeless appearance.
→Ignoring the subtle variations in skin tone.
→Neglecting the details of the clothing and background.

materials

surface · stretched canvas

required

·Stretched canvas
·Oil paints (ivory black, raw umber, burnt umber, titanium white, cadmium red light, viridian)
·Palette
·Palette knife
·Assorted brushes (round, flat, filbert)
·Linseed oil
·Odorless mineral spirits
·Rags