plate no. 1741

Portrait of Theodorus Schrevelius

oilBaroqueportraitportraitmanbookcollarbeardclothing

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 chiaroscuro and creating depth through value changes.

technical profile

palette complexity

brushwork visibility

value contrast

compositional simplicity

study guide

est. 20 hrs

approach — 8 steps

step 01
Create a light sketch outlining the basic shapes and proportions of the head, shoulders, and book.
step 02
Establish the background with a thin layer of dark brown, leaving the figure's area untouched.
step 03
Block in the main areas of color on the face, beard, and hands using a limited palette of earth tones.
step 04
Begin building up the values on the face, focusing on the highlights and shadows to create form.
step 05
Add details to the eyes, nose, and mouth, paying close attention to the subtle variations in color and value.
step 06
Paint the collar and clothing, using darker tones to create contrast with the face.
step 07
Render the book, including the lettering and decorative elements.
step 08
Refine the details and adjust the values as needed to create a cohesive and realistic portrait.

color palette

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

secondary · cadmium red · yellow ochre

Mix various shades of brown and flesh tones by combining burnt umber, raw sienna, white, and small amounts of red and yellow. Use black sparingly to darken shadows.

techniques