plate no. 7367
Portrait of Ludovicus Nonnius
Peter Paul Rubens, 1627
experienced study
Recreating this painting will help students develop skills in portraiture, including accurate proportions and capturing likeness, as well as understanding light and shadow to create depth and form. Students will also learn to render textures like fabric and paper.
technical profile
palette complexity
4
brushwork visibility
4
value contrast
4
compositional simplicity
3
study guide
est. 25 hrsapproach — 8 steps
- step 01
Begin with a light sketch to establish the overall composition and proportions of the figure, bust, and books.
- step 02
Block in the main shapes and values using thin washes of color, focusing on the dark areas first.
- step 03
Gradually build up the layers of paint, adding more detail and refining the forms.
- step 04
Pay close attention to the light and shadow on the face and hands to create a sense of realism.
- step 05
Work on the background elements, such as the books and bust, adding details as needed.
- step 06
Refine the details of the clothing and the ruff, paying attention to the folds and textures.
- step 07
Add highlights and final touches to bring the painting to life.
- step 08
Varnish the painting when dry to protect the surface and enhance the colors.
color palette
primary · ivory black · raw umber · burnt sienna · titanium white
secondary · cadmium red · yellow ochre · ultramarine blue
Mix blacks and browns with blues and reds to avoid a flat, chalky appearance. Use white sparingly to create highlights and subtle gradations.
techniques
- ·glazing
- ·scumbling
- ·chiaroscuro
- ·portraiture
- ·rendering fabric
common pitfalls
- →Getting the proportions wrong, especially in the face.
- →Overworking the details too early in the process.
- →Using too much white, which can make the colors look flat.
- →Failing to create a sense of depth and atmosphere.
materials
surface · stretched canvas
required
- ·stretched canvas
- ·oil paints
- ·linseed oil
- ·turpentine
- ·palette
- ·assorted brushes (round and flat)
- ·palette knife
- ·rags
optional
- ·medium gloss
- ·retouch varnish
- ·mahl stick
Use high-quality oil paints for best results. A medium-grit canvas will provide a good surface for layering paint.
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