plate no. 3793

Portrait of the count of Nieuwerkerke

oilRomanticismportraitportraitmanbeardhairclothing

some experience helpful

Recreating this painting will help students develop skills in portraiture, including accurate proportions and capturing likeness, as well as understanding subtle value shifts to create form. Students will also learn to mix a limited palette of colors to achieve a range of skin tones and dark values.

technical profile

palette complexity

brushwork visibility

value contrast

compositional simplicity

study guide

est. 15 hrs

approach — 8 steps

step 01
Lightly sketch the basic shapes and proportions of the head, shoulders, and facial features.
step 02
Establish the overall value structure by blocking in the main areas of light and shadow with thin washes of color.
step 03
Begin refining the facial features, paying close attention to the shapes of the eyes, nose, and mouth.
step 04
Develop the hair and beard, using layers of paint to create texture and depth.
step 05
Work on the clothing, simplifying the folds and focusing on the overall shape.
step 06
Refine the background, ensuring it complements the subject without distracting from it.
step 07
Add highlights and details to bring the portrait to life.
step 08
Make final adjustments to the values and colors to achieve a cohesive and realistic representation.

color palette

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

secondary · yellow ochre · cadmium red light

Mix skin tones by combining white, yellow ochre, and a touch of red. Use black and umber to create dark values for shadows and clothing. Add small amounts of red to the cheeks and lips for warmth.

techniques