plate no. 0251

Portrait of John Simpson, of Bradley Hall, Northumberland

oil, canvasRococoportraitportraitfigureclothingchairdraperytable

experienced study

Recreating this painting will help students develop skills in portraiture, including accurate proportions, rendering of fabric textures, and subtle color blending for skin tones. It also offers practice in creating a sense of depth and form through 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 preliminary sketch to establish the overall composition and proportions of the figure and background.
step 02
Block in the main shapes and colors of the background, focusing on the drapery and architectural elements.
step 03
Establish the basic skin tones and facial features, paying close attention to the light and shadow patterns.
step 04
Begin layering and blending colors to refine the skin tones and create a sense of volume in the face.
step 05
Block in the colors and shapes of the clothing, focusing on the red suit and its intricate texture.
step 06
Add details to the clothing, such as the buttons, folds, and highlights, to create a realistic representation of the fabric.
step 07
Refine the details of the hands, hair, and other accessories, paying attention to the subtle variations in color and texture.
step 08
Make final adjustments to the overall composition, ensuring that the values and colors are balanced and harmonious.

color palette

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

secondary · viridian · cadmium yellow light · alizarin crimson

Achieve the red suit color by mixing red ochre with alizarin crimson and a touch of burnt umber for shadows. Skin tones are created by blending titanium white, red ochre, and a small amount of cadmium yellow light. Use viridian and ivory black to create the green drapery.

techniques

·portraiture
·glazing
·scumbling
·chiaroscuro
·fabric rendering

common pitfalls

→Inaccurate proportions of the figure, especially the face and hands.
→Overly harsh or flat skin tones, lacking depth and dimension.
→Failure to capture the intricate texture of the clothing.
→Neglecting the subtle variations in color and value that create a sense of realism.

materials

surface · stretched canvas

required

·Stretched canvas (18x24 inches)
·Oil paints (red ochre, ivory black, titanium white, raw umber, viridian, cadmium yellow light, alizarin crimson)
·Assorted brushes (round, flat, filbert)
·Palette
·Linseed oil
·Odorless mineral spirits
·Palette knife
·Rags