
plate no. 3159
Peter Paul Rubens, 1639
Students would develop portrait painting fundamentals including flesh tone mixing, fabric rendering, and the sophisticated use of chiaroscuro lighting to model three-dimensional form.
technical profile
approach — 8 steps
Begin with accurate drawing and proportional measurements of the figure
Establish the darkest darks and lightest lights to map the value structure
Block in the large shapes with mid-tone colors for face, clothing, and background
Develop the flesh tones with warm and cool temperature variations
Paint the white collar with careful attention to reflected light and shadow
Render the black clothing with subtle variations to show form and texture
Refine facial features with careful attention to light direction and form
Add final details like facial hair texture and clothing accessories
color palette
primary · burnt umber · titanium white · ivory black · cadmium red light
secondary · yellow ochre · raw umber · ultramarine blue · alizarin crimson
Flesh tones require warm yellows and reds mixed with white, cooled with small amounts of blue or umber for shadows
techniques
common pitfalls
surface · stretched canvas primed with gesso
required
optional
Use quality brushes as portrait work requires precise control and smooth blending
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