plate no. 5350
Sir Percy Coleman Simmons
some experience helpful
Recreating this painting will help students develop skills in portraiture, including capturing likeness and rendering realistic skin tones. It also provides practice in painting fabrics and textures.
technical profile
palette complexity
3
brushwork visibility
3
value contrast
3
compositional simplicity
4
study guide
est. 15 hrsapproach — 8 steps
- step 01
Sketch the basic shapes and proportions of the figure and chair.
- step 02
Establish the background with a thin wash of neutral color.
- step 03
Block in the main areas of color for the face, clothing, and chair.
- step 04
Begin refining the facial features, paying close attention to values and highlights.
- step 05
Develop the details of the suit, including the lapel, buttons, and pocket square.
- step 06
Add highlights and shadows to create depth and dimension.
- step 07
Refine the background and add any final details.
- step 08
Varnish the painting once dry.
color palette
primary · ivory black · raw umber · burnt sienna · titanium white
secondary · cadmium red light · yellow ochre · ultramarine blue
Mix various shades of brown and gray by combining ivory black, raw umber, and burnt sienna with titanium white. Use small amounts of cadmium red and yellow ochre to warm up the skin tones.
techniques
- ·portrait painting
- ·value study
- ·blending
- ·layering
- ·scumbling
common pitfalls
- →Getting the proportions wrong in the initial sketch.
- →Overworking the details too early in the process.
- →Using too much paint and creating a muddy effect.
- →Failing to capture the likeness of the subject.
materials
surface · stretched canvas
required
- ·stretched canvas 16x20
- ·oil paints
- ·palette
- ·palette knife
- ·assorted brushes (round and flat)
- ·linseed oil
- ·turpentine
- ·rags
optional
- ·medium gloss
- ·easel
- ·mahl stick
Use high-quality oil paints for best results. A medium-grit canvas will provide a good surface for layering paint.
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