plate no. 3095
Sir George Johnson
Frank Holl, 1888
some experience helpful
This painting offers a good opportunity to practice portraiture, focusing on capturing likeness and subtle value changes to create form. Students can also learn about creating depth with a limited color palette and soft brushwork.
technical profile
palette complexity
3
brushwork visibility
3
value contrast
4
compositional simplicity
4
study guide
est. 15 hrsapproach — 8 steps
- step 01
Sketch the basic proportions and pose of the figure on the canvas.
- step 02
Establish the overall value structure with a thin wash of burnt umber.
- step 03
Block in the main areas of color: skin tones, clothing, and background.
- step 04
Refine the facial features, paying close attention to the light and shadow.
- step 05
Develop the details of the clothing, such as the collar and lapel.
- step 06
Work on the hands, capturing their gesture and form.
- step 07
Adjust the background to create 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 · cadmium red light · yellow ochre
Skin tones are achieved by mixing white, yellow ochre, and a touch of red. Dark areas are created with black and umber. Use white to create highlights.
techniques
- ·portraiture
- ·chiaroscuro
- ·glazing
- ·blending
- ·scumbling
common pitfalls
- →Overworking the details too early.
- →Failing to establish a strong value structure.
- →Using too much color and losing the tonal harmony.
- →Not capturing the likeness of the subject.
materials
surface · stretched canvas
required
- ·stretched canvas 18x24
- ·ivory black oil paint
- ·burnt umber oil paint
- ·raw sienna oil paint
- ·titanium white oil paint
- ·cadmium red light oil paint
- ·yellow ochre oil paint
- ·round brushes (#2, #4, #6)
optional
- ·palette knife
- ·linseed oil
- ·turpentine
- ·medium gloss
Use a high-quality canvas and artist-grade oil paints for best results. Consider using a medium to improve the flow of the paint.
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