plate no. 8097

Portrait Of Philip Tisdall With His Wife And Family

oil, canvasNeoclassicismportraitfiguresportraitlandscapetreesstatueclothing

experienced study

Recreating this painting will help students develop skills in portraiture, including capturing likeness and rendering realistic skin tones, as well as understanding complex figure compositions and drapery.

technical profile

palette complexity

brushwork visibility

value contrast

compositional simplicity

study guide

est. 40 hrs

approach — 8 steps

step 01
Create a preliminary sketch to establish the composition and proportions of the figures and landscape.
step 02
Block in the main shapes and values using thin washes of color.
step 03
Begin refining the figures, paying attention to anatomical accuracy and facial features.
step 04
Develop the drapery, using highlights and shadows to create a sense of volume and form.
step 05
Paint the background landscape, focusing on creating depth and atmosphere.
step 06
Add details to the figures, such as jewelry, hair, and facial expressions.
step 07
Refine the overall composition and adjust values as needed.
step 08
Add final highlights and shadows to create a sense of realism.

color palette

primary · titanium white · raw umber · burnt sienna · cadmium red light

secondary · ultramarine blue · yellow ochre · ivory black

Mix various shades of browns and grays by combining raw umber, burnt sienna, ivory black, and titanium white. Use cadmium red light to create pinks and flesh tones, mixing with white and a touch of yellow ochre.

techniques