plate no. 1995

Sir John Fleming Leicester

oilNeoclassicismportraitfigureportraitrobecolumnsdraperyclothing

experienced study

Recreating this painting will help students develop skills in portraiture, including capturing likeness and rendering realistic skin tones, as well as understanding how to depict complex drapery and textures.

technical profile

palette complexity

brushwork visibility

value contrast

compositional simplicity

study guide

est. 20 hrs

approach — 8 steps

step 01
Begin with a light sketch outlining the figure's pose and proportions.
step 02
Block in the main shapes and areas of color, focusing on the background and large areas of clothing.
step 03
Establish the basic values and light sources, paying attention to the shadows and highlights.
step 04
Develop the skin tones, using layering and blending techniques to create a realistic effect.
step 05
Refine the details of the clothing, including the folds and textures of the robe and the intricate patterns.
step 06
Add details to the face, focusing on the eyes, nose, and mouth to capture the likeness of the subject.
step 07
Work on the background elements, such as the columns and drapery, adding depth and dimension.
step 08
Add final highlights and details to complete the painting.

color palette

primary · red · white · black · brown

secondary · gold · grey · ivory

Achieve skin tones by mixing white, yellow ochre, and a touch of red; create the red robe by mixing a crimson red with a touch of brown for shadows and white for highlights.

techniques