plate no. 4586

Sir Harbottle Grimston, Speaker

oilBaroqueportraitfigureportraitclothingchairtablescroll

some experience helpful

This painting helps develop skills in portraiture, including capturing likeness and rendering realistic fabric textures. Students will also learn about creating depth and atmosphere through subtle value changes.

technical profile

palette complexity

brushwork visibility

value contrast

compositional simplicity

study guide

est. 20 hrs

approach — 8 steps

step 01
Sketch the basic shapes and proportions of the figure, chair, and table.
step 02
Establish the overall value structure with a thin wash of burnt umber.
step 03
Block in the main areas of color: the dark clothing, the flesh tones, and the background.
step 04
Refine the facial features, paying close attention to the light and shadow.
step 05
Add details to the clothing, including the gold trim and the folds in the fabric.
step 06
Render the hands and the scroll, focusing on accurate anatomy and form.
step 07
Adjust the values and colors to create a sense of depth and atmosphere.
step 08
Add final highlights and details to complete the painting.

color palette

primary · burnt umber · ivory black · titanium white · cadmium red light

secondary · yellow ochre · raw sienna · ultramarine blue

Mix various shades of brown and black by combining burnt umber, ivory black, and small amounts of ultramarine blue. Use yellow ochre and raw sienna to create the gold tones in the clothing. Add small amounts of cadmium red to the flesh tones for warmth.

techniques

·portraiture
·glazing
·scumbling
·chiaroscuro
·fabric rendering

common pitfalls

→Getting the proportions of the figure wrong.
→Overworking the details too early in the process.
→Failing to create a sense of depth and atmosphere.
→Not paying enough attention to the light and shadow.

materials

surface · stretched canvas

required

·stretched canvas 18x24
·oil paints (burnt umber, ivory black, titanium white, cadmium red light, yellow ochre, raw sienna, ultramarine blue)
·linseed oil
·turpentine
·assorted brushes (round and flat)
·palette
·palette knife
·rags