plate no. 0574

Richard Graf Bienerth-Schmerling

John Quincy Adams, 1907

oil, canvasRealismportraitportraitfiguremanchairformal wearbooks

some experience helpful

Recreating this painting will help students develop skills in portraiture, including accurate proportions and capturing likeness, as well as understanding and applying chiaroscuro to create depth and form.

technical profile

palette complexity

brushwork visibility

value contrast

compositional simplicity

study guide

est. 20 hrs

approach — 8 steps

step 01
Begin with a light sketch to establish the overall composition and proportions of the figure and chair.
step 02
Block in the main shapes and values using thin washes of color, focusing on the dark areas first.
step 03
Gradually build up the layers of paint, adding more detail and refining the shapes.
step 04
Pay close attention to the skin tones, mixing a variety of colors to capture the subtle variations in light and shadow.
step 05
Define the features of the face, focusing on the eyes, nose, and mouth.
step 06
Add details to the clothing and chair, paying attention to the textures and patterns.
step 07
Refine the background, creating a sense of depth and atmosphere.
step 08
Add final highlights and details to complete the painting.

color palette

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

secondary · yellow ochre · ultramarine blue · cadmium yellow

Mix various shades of brown and gray by combining burnt umber, ivory black, and white. Use yellow ochre and cadmium yellow to create the gold sash. Add ultramarine blue to darken shadows.

techniques