plate no. 0211

Portrait of Ricardo Wall Y Devreux, Prime Minister of Spain Under Ferdinand Vi and Charles III

oilRococoportraitfigureportraitclothingdraperyinteriorfurniture

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 drapery and fabric folds.

technical profile

palette complexity

brushwork visibility

value contrast

compositional simplicity

study guide

est. 30 hrs

approach — 8 steps

step 01
Create a preliminary sketch outlining the figure's pose and proportions.
step 02
Block in the main shapes and colors of the background, including the drapery and architectural elements.
step 03
Establish the basic skin tones and facial features, paying attention to light and shadow.
step 04
Begin layering and blending colors to refine the skin tones and create a sense of depth.
step 05
Paint the clothing, focusing on the folds and highlights of the fabric.
step 06
Add details to the face, such as the eyes, nose, and mouth, to capture the likeness of the subject.
step 07
Refine the details of the clothing, jewelry, and other accessories.
step 08
Add final highlights and shadows to create a sense of realism and depth.

color palette

primary · ivory black · titanium white · cadmium red · yellow ochre

secondary · viridian green · ultramarine blue · burnt umber

Achieve skin tones by mixing white, yellow ochre, and a touch of red; create shadows with burnt umber and blue. Mix greens and blues to create the background drapery.

techniques