plate no. 3803

Portrait of George IV of the United Kingdom

oilRomanticismportraitportraitfigureclothinghistoricalinteriorroyal

experienced study

Recreating this painting will help students develop skills in portraiture, including capturing likeness and rendering realistic skin tones, as well as understanding how to create depth and form using light and shadow.

technical profile

palette complexity

brushwork visibility

value contrast

compositional simplicity

study guide

est. 25 hrs

approach — 8 steps

step 01
Sketch the basic proportions and pose of the figure, paying attention to the overall composition.
step 02
Establish the main areas of light and shadow with a thin wash of burnt umber or a similar earth tone.
step 03
Begin blocking in the local colors of the clothing and background, focusing on the dominant red and dark tones.
step 04
Develop the skin tones, building up layers of color to create a realistic and nuanced effect.
step 05
Add details to the clothing, including the tartan pattern, the sash, and the sporran.
step 06
Refine the facial features, paying close attention to the eyes, nose, and mouth.
step 07
Add highlights and shadows to create a sense of depth and dimension.
step 08
Make final adjustments to the overall composition and color balance.

color palette

primary · cadmium red · ivory black · raw umber

secondary · viridian · yellow ochre · titanium white

Achieve the various reds by mixing cadmium red with varying amounts of ivory black and raw umber. Create skin tones by mixing titanium white, yellow ochre, and a touch of cadmium red.

techniques

·underpainting
·glazing
·scumbling
·chiaroscuro
·portraiture

common pitfalls

→Getting the proportions of the figure wrong.
→Overworking the skin tones and creating a muddy effect.
→Failing to capture the likeness of the subject.
→Not paying enough attention to the details of the clothing.

materials

surface · stretched canvas

required

·stretched canvas (18x24 inches)
·oil paints (cadmium red, ivory black, raw umber, viridian, yellow ochre, titanium white)
·linseed oil
·turpentine or mineral spirits
·assorted brushes (round and flat)
·palette
·palette knife
·rags or paper towels