plate no. 2717

Sir Paul Fildes

Luke Fildes, 1919

oil, canvasAcademicismportraitportraitmanuniformhatmilitaryfigure

some experience helpful

Recreating this painting will help students develop skills in portraiture, including accurate proportions and subtle value gradations to create form. It also provides practice in rendering realistic textures and details, such as the fabric of the uniform and the metallic elements of the hat.

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 basic shapes and proportions of the figure, hat, and background.
step 02
Establish the overall value structure by blocking in the main areas of light and shadow with thin washes of color.
step 03
Begin refining the facial features, paying close attention to the subtle shifts in value and color.
step 04
Develop the details of the uniform, including the buttons, collar, and any decorations.
step 05
Paint the hat, focusing on the highlights and shadows to create a sense of form and texture.
step 06
Refine the background, ensuring that it complements the figure without distracting from it.
step 07
Add final details and highlights to enhance the realism and depth of the painting.
step 08
Glaze to unify the painting and adjust values as needed.

color palette

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

secondary · cadmium red light · ultramarine blue

Mix various shades of brown and gray by combining raw umber, ivory black, and titanium white. Use yellow ochre and cadmium red to create the gold tones of the hat emblem and buttons. Add small amounts of ultramarine blue to darken shadows and create depth.

techniques