plate no. 2040

Portrait of Lorenzo Hervas y Panduro

oil, canvasNeoclassicismportraitportraitfigurebookovalpenclerical collar

some experience helpful

Recreating this painting will help students develop skills in portraiture, including accurate proportions and subtle skin tone variations, as well as rendering textures like fabric and paper.

technical profile

palette complexity

brushwork visibility

value contrast

compositional simplicity

study guide

est. 15 hrs

approach — 8 steps

step 01
Sketch the basic shapes and proportions of the figure, book, and oval background.
step 02
Establish the overall value structure with a thin wash of burnt umber.
step 03
Block in the main color areas: skin tones, clothing, book, and background.
step 04
Begin refining the skin tones, paying attention to subtle shifts in color and value.
step 05
Develop the details of the clothing, focusing on the folds and textures.
step 06
Work on the book, carefully rendering the lettering and decorative elements.
step 07
Refine the background, creating a sense of depth and atmosphere.
step 08
Add final highlights and details, such as the pen and the glint in the eyes.

color palette

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

secondary · cadmium red · ultramarine blue

Skin tones are achieved by mixing yellow ochre, burnt umber, cadmium red, and titanium white. Darker areas use more burnt umber and ivory black. The background is a mix of burnt umber and ivory black with subtle variations.

techniques

·portraiture
·glazing
·scumbling
·blending
·chiaroscuro

common pitfalls

→Inaccurate proportions of the figure.
→Overly harsh or flat skin tones.
→Lack of attention to detail in the clothing and book.
→Ignoring the subtle value shifts in the background.

materials

surface · stretched canvas

required

·stretched canvas 16x20
·oil paints: yellow ochre, burnt umber, ivory black, titanium white, cadmium red, ultramarine blue
·linseed oil
·turpentine
·assorted brushes (round and flat)
·palette
·palette knife
·rags