plate no. 6026

Sir Henry Parkes

oilImpressionismportraitportraitmanbeardwhite hairclothingface

some experience helpful

Recreating this painting will help students develop skills in portraiture, particularly in capturing likeness and using subtle value changes to create form. It will also improve their ability to blend colors and create soft edges.

technical profile

palette complexity

brushwork visibility

value contrast

compositional simplicity

study guide

est. 15 hrs

approach — 8 steps

step 01
Lightly sketch the basic shapes and proportions of the head, shoulders, and beard.
step 02
Establish the background with a dark, muted color.
step 03
Block in the main areas of light and shadow on the face and beard using a limited palette.
step 04
Refine the facial features, paying close attention to the eyes, nose, and mouth.
step 05
Develop the texture of the hair and beard using short, broken brushstrokes.
step 06
Add details to the clothing, keeping the edges soft and blended.
step 07
Adjust the values and colors to create a sense of depth and realism.
step 08
Add final highlights and details to the face and hair.

color palette

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

secondary · cadmium red light · ultramarine blue

Mix various shades of gray and brown by combining black, white, and umber. Use small amounts of red and blue to create subtle variations in skin tone.

techniques