plate no. 8235
Professor George Gilbert Ramsay
George Henry, 1907
study guide
est. 20 hrsapproach — 8 steps
- step 01
Create a light sketch outlining the figure's pose and proportions.
- step 02
Block in the main shapes and colors of the background, robe, and skin tones.
- step 03
Start refining the facial features, paying close attention to the light and shadow.
- step 04
Develop the details of the robe, focusing on the folds and highlights.
- step 05
Add details to the hands and books, including the ring and page edges.
- step 06
Refine the background, adding subtle variations in color and texture.
- step 07
Glaze the painting to unify the colors and add depth.
- step 08
Add final highlights and details to complete the painting.
color palette
primary · ivory black · burnt umber · titanium white · cadmium red
secondary · yellow ochre · viridian · raw sienna
Mix various shades of gray and brown by combining ivory black, burnt umber, and titanium white. Use yellow ochre and cadmium red to create realistic skin tones. Add viridian for subtle greens in the background and details.
techniques
- ·portraiture
- ·glazing
- ·chiaroscuro
- ·dry brushing
- ·color mixing
common pitfalls
- →Getting the proportions of the face wrong.
- →Overworking the details too early in the process.
- →Using too much black, resulting in a muddy painting.
- →Failing to capture the subtle variations in skin tone.
materials
surface · stretched canvas
required
- ·stretched canvas 18x24
- ·ivory black oil paint
- ·burnt umber oil paint
- ·titanium white oil paint
- ·cadmium red oil paint
- ·yellow ochre oil paint
- ·round brushes (sizes 2, 4, 6)
- ·linseed oil
optional
- ·palette knife
- ·medium gloss
- ·odorless mineral spirits
Use high-quality oil paints for best results. Pre-toned canvas can help establish mid-tones.
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