plate no. 0401

Portrait of Johan Wierts

oilBaroqueportraitportraitfiguremanclothingchairdrapery

experienced study

Recreating this painting will help students develop skills in portraiture, including capturing likeness and rendering realistic skin tones, as well as understanding the use of chiaroscuro to create depth and drama.

technical profile

palette complexity

brushwork visibility

value contrast

compositional simplicity

study guide

est. 30 hrs

approach — 8 steps

step 01
Begin with a light sketch to establish the overall composition and proportions of the figure and chair.
step 02
Block in the main areas of color, focusing on the large shapes of the background, clothing, and skin tones.
step 03
Develop the values in the face, using layers of thin paint to build up highlights and shadows.
step 04
Refine the details of the clothing, paying attention to the folds and textures.
step 05
Add details to the chair and background elements, such as the drapery and architectural details.
step 06
Carefully render the hands and the letter, paying attention to the subtle variations in color and value.
step 07
Glaze the painting to unify the colors and create a sense of depth.
step 08
Add final highlights and details to complete the painting.

color palette

primary · ivory black · burnt umber · raw sienna · titanium white

secondary · cadmium red · yellow ochre

Mix skin tones using a combination of white, sienna, umber, and a touch of red. Achieve deep blacks by mixing ivory black with burnt umber. Use thin glazes of color to create depth and luminosity.

techniques