plate no. 5972

Samuel Arnold

oilBaroqueportraitportraitfigureclothinghathistorical figure

some experience helpful

Recreating this portrait will help students develop skills in tonal shading and rendering realistic textures. It also provides practice in capturing likeness and creating a sense of depth through value.

technical profile

palette complexity

brushwork visibility

value contrast

compositional simplicity

study guide

est. 15 hrs

approach — 8 steps

step 01
Begin with a light sketch to establish the basic proportions and composition.
step 02
Block in the darkest areas of the background and clothing with a diluted dark tone.
step 03
Gradually build up the mid-tones, focusing on the shapes of the face and clothing folds.
step 04
Add highlights to create a sense of volume and form.
step 05
Refine the details of the face, paying attention to the eyes, nose, and mouth.
step 06
Adjust the values to create a balanced and harmonious composition.
step 07
Add final details to the clothing and background.
step 08
Review and adjust the overall tonal range.

color palette

primary · ivory black · raw umber · titanium white

secondary · payne's gray · yellow ochre

Mix ivory black and raw umber for the dark tones. Use titanium white to create highlights and lighter shades. Add a touch of yellow ochre to warm up the skin tones.

techniques