plate no. 0881

Portrait of George Washington and William 'Billy' Lee

canvas, oilNeoclassicismportraitfigureportraitlandscapeclothingskyhorse

some experience helpful

Recreating this painting will help students develop skills in portraiture, including accurate proportions and capturing likeness, as well as blending techniques for creating smooth transitions and atmospheric perspective.

technical profile

palette complexity

brushwork visibility

value contrast

compositional simplicity

study guide

est. 25 hrs

approach — 8 steps

step 01
Create a preliminary sketch to establish the composition and proportions of the figures and landscape.
step 02
Block in the main shapes and values using thin washes of color.
step 03
Develop the background, focusing on creating depth and atmospheric perspective.
step 04
Begin refining the figures, paying close attention to anatomical accuracy and facial features.
step 05
Add details to the clothing and accessories, such as the buttons, trim, and hat.
step 06
Establish the light source and add highlights and shadows to create form and dimension.
step 07
Refine the details and add final touches to complete the painting.
step 08
Glaze with thin layers of color to unify the painting and enhance the colors.

color palette

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

secondary · cadmium red · ultramarine blue · burnt sienna

Mix various shades of white with yellow ochre and raw umber to create the skin tones. Use ultramarine blue and ivory black for the dark coat, and burnt sienna and cadmium red for the red turban.

techniques

·portraiture
·blending
·glazing
·atmospheric perspective
·value studies

common pitfalls

→Inaccurate proportions of the figures.
→Overworking the details too early in the process.
→Failing to create a sense of depth and atmosphere in the background.
→Uneven skin tones.

materials

surface · stretched canvas

required

·Stretched canvas 18x24
·Oil paints (ivory black, titanium white, yellow ochre, raw umber, cadmium red, ultramarine blue, burnt sienna)
·Palette
·Assorted brushes (round, flat, filbert)
·Linseed oil
·Odorless mineral spirits
·Palette knife
·Rags