plate no. 3256

Portrait of Richard Streatfeild Family

oil, canvasBaroqueportraitfiguresportraitfamilyskullscolumndrapery

experienced study

Recreating this painting will help students develop skills in portraiture, including accurate proportions and capturing likeness, as well as understanding chiaroscuro and creating depth through subtle value changes.

technical profile

palette complexity

brushwork visibility

value contrast

compositional simplicity

study guide

est. 25 hrs

approach — 8 steps

step 01
Sketch the basic composition, focusing on the placement and proportions of the figures.
step 02
Establish the background with broad washes of dark browns and greens, suggesting depth.
step 03
Block in the main shapes of the figures with simplified values, paying attention to the light source.
step 04
Begin refining the facial features, focusing on accurate proportions and subtle value changes to create form.
step 05
Develop the clothing and drapery, using darker values for shadows and lighter values for highlights.
step 06
Add details such as the lace collars, jewelry, and the skulls in the background.
step 07
Refine the overall composition, adjusting values and adding subtle details to create a sense of realism.
step 08
Add final glazes to unify the colors and create a sense of depth.

color palette

primary · ivory black · raw umber · burnt sienna · titanium white

secondary · cadmium red light · yellow ochre · ultramarine blue

Mix various shades of brown and black by combining raw umber, burnt sienna, and ivory black. Use titanium white to create lighter values and yellow ochre to warm the skin tones.

techniques