plate no. 2339

Portrait of Major Thomas Savage

oilBaroqueportraitportraitfigurelandscapeclothingskymilitary

experienced study

Recreating this painting will help students develop skills in portraiture, including capturing likeness and rendering realistic skin tones, as well as practicing techniques for depicting fabric and textures.

technical profile

palette complexity

brushwork visibility

value contrast

compositional simplicity

study guide

est. 25 hrs

approach — 8 steps

step 01
Sketch the basic composition, paying attention to proportions and placement of the figure and background elements.
step 02
Establish the overall value structure with a thin wash of burnt umber or a similar earth tone.
step 03
Block in the main colors of the background landscape, focusing on creating depth and atmosphere.
step 04
Begin painting the figure, starting with the face and hands, and gradually building up the details.
step 05
Carefully render the clothing, paying attention to the folds, highlights, and shadows.
step 06
Add the intricate details of the lace and embroidery using fine brushes and light colors.
step 07
Paint the coat of arms and other decorative elements.
step 08
Refine the overall painting, adjusting values, colors, and details as needed.

color palette

primary · yellow ochre · burnt umber · titanium white · red oxide

secondary · ultramarine blue · ivory black · gold

Achieve skin tones by mixing white, yellow ochre, and a touch of red oxide. Use ultramarine blue and burnt umber to create muted grays and blacks for shadows.

techniques

·portraiture
·glazing
·scumbling
·rendering fabric
·atmospheric perspective

common pitfalls

→Getting the proportions wrong
→Overworking the details too early
→Failing to create a sense of depth
→Inaccurate skin tones

materials

surface · stretched canvas

required

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