plate no. 8487

Portrait of George Savile, 1st Marquess of Halifax (1633-1695)

oil, canvasBaroqueportraitportraitfigurelandscapeclothinglacehair

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 depict fabric folds and textures with light and shadow.

technical profile

palette complexity

brushwork visibility

value contrast

compositional simplicity

study guide

est. 25 hrs

approach — 8 steps

step 01
Create a light sketch outlining the figure's pose and proportions.
step 02
Block in the background with broad strokes, focusing on the overall values.
step 03
Establish the main shapes and values of the face, paying attention to the light source.
step 04
Begin layering colors to build up the skin tones, blending carefully.
step 05
Paint the clothing, focusing on capturing the highlights and shadows to create a sense of volume.
step 06
Add details to the hair, using thin brushes to create individual strands.
step 07
Render the lace collar and cuffs, paying attention to the intricate patterns.
step 08
Refine the details and adjust the values to create a cohesive and realistic portrait.

color palette

primary · raw umber · titanium white · yellow ochre · ivory black

secondary · ultramarine blue · burnt sienna · cadmium yellow

Mix various shades of brown and beige for the skin tones and clothing by combining raw umber, yellow ochre, and titanium white. Use small amounts of ultramarine blue and burnt sienna to adjust the temperature of the browns.

techniques