plate no. 6367

Retrato de Teófilo Braga

Columbano Bordalo Pinheiro, 1917

oilRealismportraitportraitfigurebookschairmanindoor

some experience helpful

Recreating this painting will help students develop skills in portraiture, particularly in capturing likeness and rendering realistic skin tones. It also provides practice in creating depth and atmosphere using a limited color palette.

technical profile

palette complexity

brushwork visibility

value contrast

compositional simplicity

study guide

est. 15 hrs

approach — 8 steps

step 01
Sketch the basic composition, focusing on proportions and placement of the figure.
step 02
Establish the background with broad, loose strokes, using a limited palette of browns and grays.
step 03
Block in the main shapes of the figure, paying attention to the overall form and gesture.
step 04
Begin to refine the facial features, focusing on accurate proportions and subtle value changes.
step 05
Develop the details of the clothing and hands, adding texture and highlights.
step 06
Add the book and the table with books, paying attention to the light and shadow.
step 07
Refine the overall composition, adjusting values and adding details as needed.
step 08
Add final highlights and details to bring the painting to life.

color palette

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

secondary · yellow ochre · cadmium red light

Achieve skin tones by mixing burnt umber, yellow ochre, and titanium white. Use ivory black and burnt umber for dark areas. Add small amounts of cadmium red light for warmth in the cheeks and lips.

techniques