plate no. 6756
Portrait of Erasmus of Rotterdam
Hans Holbein the Younger, 1523
experienced study
Recreating this painting will help students develop skills in portraiture, including accurate proportions and subtle skin tone variations, as well as rendering textures like fur and fabric.
technical profile
palette complexity
3
brushwork visibility
2
value contrast
3
compositional simplicity
4
study guide
est. 25 hrsapproach — 8 steps
- step 01
Create a light sketch of the composition, paying attention to proportions and placement of the figure and book.
- step 02
Block in the main shapes and colors using thin washes of paint.
- step 03
Start developing the skin tones, layering subtle variations of color and value.
- step 04
Define the features of the face, paying close attention to the light and shadow.
- step 05
Work on the fur collar, using small, controlled brushstrokes to create texture.
- step 06
Paint the clothing, focusing on the folds and drapery.
- step 07
Add details to the book and background elements.
- step 08
Refine the painting, adjusting values and colors as needed.
color palette
primary · ivory black · raw umber · cadmium red light · titanium white
secondary · yellow ochre · burnt sienna
Mix skin tones by blending white, red, umber, and a touch of yellow. Achieve the fur color by layering browns, yellows, and whites.
techniques
- ·glazing
- ·scumbling
- ·layering
- ·portraiture
- ·rendering fur
common pitfalls
- →Getting the proportions of the face wrong.
- →Overworking the skin tones and creating a muddy effect.
- →Failing to capture the subtle variations in color and value.
- →Not creating enough contrast between the light and shadow.
materials
surface · stretched canvas
required
- ·stretched canvas
- ·oil paints
- ·linseed oil
- ·turpentine
- ·assorted brushes (round and flat)
- ·palette
- ·palette knife
- ·rags
optional
- ·medium gloss
- ·retouch varnish
Use high-quality oil paints for best results. Consider using a medium to thin the paint and speed up drying time.
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