plate no. 5839
Rear-Admiral Sir Horatio Nelson
John Hoppner, 1800
experienced study
Recreating this painting will help students develop skills in portraiture, including capturing likeness and rendering realistic skin tones, as well as understanding atmospheric perspective and creating depth in a landscape.
technical profile
palette complexity
4
brushwork visibility
3
value contrast
4
compositional simplicity
3
study guide
est. 25 hrsapproach — 8 steps
- step 01
Sketch the basic composition, focusing on the figure's proportions and placement.
- step 02
Block in the main areas of color: the sky, sea, figure's clothing, and background.
- step 03
Refine the figure's features, paying close attention to the light and shadow on the face.
- step 04
Add details to the uniform, including the medals, buttons, and trim.
- step 05
Develop the background, creating depth with atmospheric perspective.
- step 06
Paint the ships in the distance, using muted colors to suggest distance.
- step 07
Add highlights and shadows to the sea and sky to create a sense of movement.
- step 08
Refine the overall composition, adjusting colors and values as needed.
color palette
primary · ultramarine blue · ivory black · titanium white · cadmium red
secondary · yellow ochre · burnt umber · raw sienna
Mix various shades of gray and blue for the sky and sea. Use white to lighten colors and create highlights. Mix red and brown for the figure's sash.
techniques
- ·portraiture
- ·glazing
- ·scumbling
- ·atmospheric perspective
- ·blending
common pitfalls
- →Getting the proportions of the figure wrong.
- →Overworking the details of the uniform.
- →Failing to create a sense of depth in the background.
- →Using colors that are too bright or saturated.
materials
surface · stretched canvas
required
- ·stretched canvas 18x24
- ·oil paints
- ·round brushes (sizes 2, 4, 6)
- ·flat brushes (sizes 4, 8)
- ·palette
- ·linseed oil
- ·turpentine
- ·palette knife
optional
- ·retouch varnish
- ·painting medium
Use high-quality oil paints for best results. Consider using a medium to thin the paints and speed up drying time.
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