plate no. 6270

Portrait of Sebastiano Cardinal Martinelli

Thomas Eakins, 1902

oil, canvasRealismportraitportraitfigurechairrobecardinalinterior

some experience helpful

Recreating this painting will help students develop skills in portraiture, including capturing likeness and rendering realistic skin tones, as well as understanding how to create depth and form through subtle value changes.

technical profile

palette complexity

brushwork visibility

value contrast

compositional simplicity

study guide

est. 20 hrs

approach — 8 steps

step 01
Begin with a light sketch to establish the overall composition and proportions of the figure and chair.
step 02
Block in the main shapes and areas of color, focusing on the large masses of the figure, chair, and background.
step 03
Establish the basic value structure, paying attention to the light and shadow patterns on the figure's face and clothing.
step 04
Refine the facial features, focusing on capturing the likeness and expression of the subject.
step 05
Develop the details of the clothing, chair, and background, paying attention to texture and form.
step 06
Add highlights and shadows to create depth and dimension.
step 07
Refine the edges and details, ensuring that the painting has a sense of realism and accuracy.
step 08
Add final glazes to unify the colors and create a sense of atmosphere.

color palette

primary · burnt umber · ivory black · titanium white · cadmium red

secondary · yellow ochre · raw sienna

Mix various shades of brown and gray by combining burnt umber, ivory black, and titanium white. Use cadmium red to create the cardinal's cap and sash, and mix with burnt umber to create darker reds.

techniques

·portraiture
·value studies
·glazing
·blending
·scumbling

common pitfalls

→Incorrect proportions of the figure and chair.
→Failure to capture the likeness and expression of the subject.
→Overworking the details and losing the overall sense of form.
→Using colors that are too bright or saturated.

materials

surface · stretched canvas

required

·stretched canvas (18x24 inches)
·oil paints (burnt umber, ivory black, titanium white, cadmium red, yellow ochre, raw sienna)
·palette
·palette knife
·assorted brushes (round and flat)
·linseed oil
·turpentine or odorless mineral spirits