plate no. 8038

Portrait of Stanislav Leshchinsky , King of Poland and Grand Duke of Lithuania

oilRococoportraitportraitfigurearmorclothingskyhelmet

experienced study

Recreating this painting will help students develop skills in portraiture, including accurate proportions and capturing likeness, as well as rendering metallic surfaces and drapery.

technical profile

palette complexity

brushwork visibility

value contrast

compositional simplicity

study guide

est. 25 hrs

approach — 8 steps

step 01
Sketch the basic figure proportions and pose on the canvas.
step 02
Block in the background with light blues and creams, suggesting clouds.
step 03
Establish the main shapes of the armor, helmet, and drapery with mid-tone grays and browns.
step 04
Begin layering in darker values to define the form of the armor and create highlights.
step 05
Add details to the face, focusing on accurate placement of features and subtle shading.
step 06
Refine the drapery with soft folds and highlights, using white and light grays.
step 07
Paint the details of the armor, including gold accents and reflections.
step 08
Add final touches to the background and adjust values as needed.

color palette

primary · titanium white · ivory black · yellow ochre · ultramarine blue

secondary · burnt umber · raw sienna · cadmium yellow light · alizarin crimson

Mix various shades of gray by combining white, black, and a touch of umber or blue. Achieve metallic effects by layering light and dark grays with subtle hints of yellow ochre and blue.

techniques

·grisaille underpainting
·glazing
·scumbling
·chiaroscuro
·portraiture

common pitfalls

→Incorrect proportions of the figure
→Overly harsh or muddy color mixtures
→Lack of attention to detail in the armor
→Difficulty capturing the likeness of the subject

materials

surface · stretched canvas

required

·Stretched canvas (18x24 inches)
·Oil paints (titanium white, ivory black, yellow ochre, ultramarine blue, burnt umber)
·Round brushes (sizes 2, 4, 6)
·Flat brushes (sizes 4, 8)
·Palette
·Linseed oil
·Odorless mineral spirits
·Palette knife