plate no. 1608

Richard Paul Jordell

oil, canvasRococoportraitportraitfiguremanclothingbookoval

some experience helpful

Recreating this painting will help students develop skills in portraiture, including accurate proportions, subtle color mixing for skin tones, and rendering of fabric textures. It also provides practice in creating a sense of depth and form through careful value gradations.

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 of the overall composition, paying attention to proportions and the oval frame.
step 02
Establish the basic values and shapes of the background, creating a sense of depth.
step 03
Block in the main shapes of the figure, focusing on the head, torso, and hands.
step 04
Begin layering in the skin tones, using subtle color variations to create form and dimension.
step 05
Paint the clothing, paying attention to the folds and textures of the fabric.
step 06
Add details to the face, including the eyes, nose, and mouth.
step 07
Render the hair, using light and dark values to create volume and texture.
step 08
Add final details and highlights to complete the painting.

color palette

primary · titanium white · ivory black · yellow ochre · raw umber

secondary · cadmium red light · viridian · ultramarine blue

Achieve skin tones by mixing white, yellow ochre, and a touch of red. Use black and umber for shadows. Mix greens for the coat by combining yellow and blue. Use glazes of red and umber for the background warmth.

techniques

·portraiture
·glazing
·scumbling
·blending
·chiaroscuro

common pitfalls

→Incorrect proportions in the initial sketch.
→Overblending the skin tones, resulting in a flat appearance.
→Ignoring the subtle color variations in the clothing.
→Failing to create a sense of depth in the background.

materials

surface · stretched canvas

required

·Stretched canvas (16x20 inches)
·Oil paints (titanium white, ivory black, yellow ochre, raw umber, cadmium red light, viridian, ultramarine blue)
·Assorted brushes (round, flat, filbert)
·Palette
·Linseed oil
·Odorless mineral spirits
·Palette knife
·Rags