plate no. 6322

Portrait of Henry Howard Houston Woodward

Violet Oakley, 1922

oilRomanticismportraitportraitfigureclothingpropellermantrench coat

some experience helpful

Recreating this painting will help students develop skills in portraiture, including accurate proportions and rendering of light and shadow on the face and clothing. It also provides practice in creating a sense of depth and atmosphere through subtle color variations.

technical profile

palette complexity

brushwork visibility

value contrast

compositional simplicity

study guide

est. 20 hrs

approach — 8 steps

step 01
Sketch the basic shapes and proportions of the figure and background.
step 02
Establish the overall value structure with a thin wash of burnt umber or a similar earth tone.
step 03
Block in the main color areas of the face, clothing, and background.
step 04
Refine the facial features, paying attention to the subtle shifts in value and color.
step 05
Develop the details of the clothing, including the folds and textures.
step 06
Add highlights and shadows to create a sense of depth and dimension.
step 07
Refine the background and propeller, ensuring they complement the figure.
step 08
Add final details and adjustments to complete the painting.

color palette

primary · burnt umber · raw sienna · titanium white · ultramarine blue

secondary · yellow ochre · cadmium red light · ivory black

Mix browns and tans by blending burnt umber, raw sienna, and white. Use ultramarine blue and burnt umber to create dark shadows. Add small amounts of cadmium red to the skin tones for warmth.

techniques

·portrait drawing
·value studies
·color mixing
·glazing
·scumbling

common pitfalls

→Getting the proportions of the face wrong.
→Overworking the details too early in the process.
→Using colors that are too saturated or intense.
→Ignoring the subtle shifts in value and color.

materials

surface · stretched canvas

required

·stretched canvas (16x20 inches)
·oil paints (burnt umber, raw sienna, titanium white, ultramarine blue, yellow ochre, cadmium red light, ivory black)
·palette
·palette knife
·linseed oil
·odorless mineral spirits
·assorted brushes (round and flat)
·rags