plate no. 7721

Portrait of Dr. Benjamin Hoadly

oil, canvasRococoportraitportraitfiguretablechairbustwindow

some experience helpful

Recreating this painting will help students develop skills in portraiture, including capturing likeness and rendering realistic skin tones, as well as understanding subtle value shifts 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 main shapes: the figure, chair, table, and background elements.
step 02
Establish the overall composition and proportions, paying attention to the placement of the figure within the frame.
step 03
Block in the main color masses for the background, figure's clothing, and furniture using thin washes of color.
step 04
Develop the values and forms of the figure, focusing on the face and hands. Use layering and blending to create smooth transitions.
step 05
Add details to the clothing, chair, and table, paying attention to the textures and patterns.
step 06
Paint the bust and window, focusing on the light and shadow to create depth.
step 07
Refine the details and adjust the values to create a sense of realism and atmosphere.
step 08
Add final highlights and shadows to enhance the form and create visual interest.

color palette

primary · raw umber · titanium white · burnt sienna

secondary · ivory black · cadmium red light · yellow ochre

Achieve skin tones by mixing raw umber, titanium white, and a touch of cadmium red light. Create variations in the clothing by adding yellow ochre or ivory black to the base color.

techniques