plate no. 0094

Portrait of Dr. Philipp Karell, Emperor's Physician

oilAcademicismportraitportraitfiguremilitaryinteriorbooksred curtain

experienced study

Recreating this painting will help students develop skills in portraiture, including accurate proportions and capturing likeness, as well as rendering textures of fabric and metal.

technical profile

palette complexity

brushwork visibility

value contrast

compositional simplicity

study guide

est. 25 hrs

approach — 8 steps

step 01
Begin with a light sketch outlining the main shapes: the figure, the background elements (curtain, bookcase, table).
step 02
Establish the overall value structure by blocking in the dark and light areas with thin washes of color.
step 03
Focus on the face, paying close attention to proportions and subtle value changes to capture the likeness.
step 04
Develop the details of the uniform, including the intricate decorations and metallic elements.
step 05
Paint the background elements, such as the curtain and bookcase, using a looser brushstroke.
step 06
Refine the details of the hands and the letter, paying attention to the subtle highlights and shadows.
step 07
Add the final details, such as the highlights on the metal and the subtle textures of the fabric.
step 08
Glaze with thin layers of color to unify the painting and enhance the overall effect.

color palette

primary · ivory black · crimson red · raw umber · yellow ochre

secondary · titanium white · cadmium yellow light · ultramarine blue · burnt sienna

Mix various shades of black and brown for the uniform and background. Use white and yellow ochre to create highlights on the face and uniform. Mix crimson with a touch of brown or black to create the deep reds of the curtain and sash.

techniques