plate no. 6076

Portrait of John Simpson

oil, canvasRococoportraitfigureportraitdraperycolumnclothingarchitecture

some experience helpful

Recreating this painting will help students develop skills in portraiture, including capturing likeness and rendering fabric folds. It also provides practice in creating subtle gradations of color and value to model form.

technical profile

palette complexity

brushwork visibility

value contrast

compositional simplicity

study guide

est. 20 hrs

approach — 8 steps

step 01
Lightly sketch the main shapes and proportions of the figure and background elements.
step 02
Establish the overall color scheme by blocking in the main areas of color with thin washes.
step 03
Begin to build up the form of the figure by adding layers of paint, focusing on the light and shadow.
step 04
Refine the details of the face, paying close attention to the eyes, nose, and mouth.
step 05
Develop the drapery folds and textures, using a variety of brushstrokes.
step 06
Add the details of the architectural elements, such as the column and pedestal.
step 07
Glaze over the painting to unify the colors and add depth.
step 08
Add final highlights and details to complete the painting.

color palette

primary · red ochre · ultramarine blue · titanium white

secondary · raw umber · yellow ochre · ivory black

Mix various shades of red by combining red ochre with white and a touch of blue or umber for shadows. Achieve the blue drapery by mixing ultramarine blue with white and a touch of red for muted tones. Use raw umber and white to create the neutral tones of the background and architecture.

techniques

·portraiture
·glazing
·scumbling
·blending
·drapery rendering

common pitfalls

→Incorrect proportions of the figure.
→Overworking the details too early.
→Failing to capture the likeness of the subject.
→Creating muddy colors by overmixing.

materials

surface · stretched canvas

required

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