plate no. 1331

Prince George of Wales, later King George V

oilAcademicismportraitportraitfiguremilitary uniformroyaltymalebeard

experienced study

Recreating this painting will help students develop skills in portraiture, including accurate proportions, capturing likeness, and rendering realistic skin tones and textures. It also provides practice in depicting complex details like the gold braid and medals.

technical profile

palette complexity

brushwork visibility

value contrast

compositional simplicity

study guide

est. 25 hrs

approach — 8 steps

step 01
Begin with a light sketch to establish the overall composition and proportions of the figure within the oval.
step 02
Block in the main shapes and values using thin washes of color, focusing on the background, skin tones, and uniform.
step 03
Refine the facial features, paying close attention to the eyes, nose, and mouth to capture the likeness.
step 04
Develop the details of the uniform, including the gold braid, medals, and buttons, using smaller brushes and more precise strokes.
step 05
Build up the layers of color and value to create depth and dimension, using techniques like glazing and scumbling.
step 06
Add highlights and shadows to enhance the form and create a sense of realism.
step 07
Refine the edges and details, paying attention to the overall harmony and balance of the painting.
step 08
Add final details and glazes to unify the painting.

color palette

primary · ivory black · yellow ochre · burnt umber · ultramarine blue

secondary · cadmium yellow · cadmium red · titanium white

Mix skin tones using yellow ochre, burnt umber, and titanium white, with small amounts of cadmium red for warmth. Create the dark blues of the uniform by mixing ivory black and ultramarine blue. Achieve the gold tones by mixing cadmium yellow, burnt umber, and a touch of cadmium red.

techniques