plate no. 6925

Sir John Soane, in Masonic Costume, as Grand Superintendent and President of the Board of Works

oilRococoportraitportraitfiguremasonic costumeinteriorchairwindow

experienced study

Recreating this painting will help students develop skills in portraiture, including capturing likeness and rendering fabrics and textures. It also provides practice in 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
Create a light sketch outlining the figure, chair, and background elements.
step 02
Block in the main areas of color, focusing on the overall value structure.
step 03
Refine the skin tones, paying attention to subtle variations in color and value.
step 04
Develop the details of the clothing, including the folds and textures of the fabric.
step 05
Paint the background, creating depth and atmosphere with soft edges and muted colors.
step 06
Add the details of the masonic costume, including the gold embroidery and insignia.
step 07
Refine the details of the face, paying attention to the eyes, nose, and mouth.
step 08
Add final highlights and shadows to create a sense of depth and realism.

color palette

primary · ivory black · burnt umber · cadmium red · yellow ochre

secondary · ultramarine blue · titanium white

Mix skin tones using yellow ochre, cadmium red, and titanium white, with small amounts of burnt umber for shadows. Achieve the black of the suit by mixing ivory black and burnt umber. Use ultramarine blue and titanium white for the blue details.

techniques