plate no. 1872

Portrait of Richard Arkwright Junior with his Wife Mary and Daughter Anne

oil, canvasRococoportraitfiguresportraitlandscapeclothingfamilytrees

experienced study

Recreating this painting will help students develop skills in portraiture, including accurate proportions and rendering of skin tones, as well as understanding how to depict complex fabrics and textures.

technical profile

palette complexity

brushwork visibility

value contrast

compositional simplicity

study guide

est. 30 hrs

approach — 8 steps

step 01
Begin with a light sketch outlining the basic shapes and proportions of the figures and the background.
step 02
Establish the background with broad washes of color, focusing on the overall tonal values.
step 03
Block in the main colors of the figures' clothing and skin tones, paying attention to the light and shadow.
step 04
Refine the facial features, focusing on accurate placement and subtle gradations of tone.
step 05
Develop the details of the clothing, including the folds, textures, and embellishments.
step 06
Add details to the background, such as the foliage and architectural elements.
step 07
Refine the overall composition, adjusting colors and values as needed to create a harmonious and balanced image.
step 08
Add final highlights and details to bring the painting to life.

color palette

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

secondary · Prussian blue · cadmium red light · sap green

Achieve skin tones by mixing white, yellow ochre, and a touch of red. Create the dark greens by mixing Prussian blue and yellow ochre. Use raw umber and white for the background.

techniques