plate no. 9179

Smoker

oil, panelBaroqueportraitfigureportraittablepipehatmug

some experience helpful

Recreating this painting will help students develop skills in portraiture, including capturing likeness and rendering skin tones, as well as understanding light and shadow to create form.

technical profile

palette complexity

brushwork visibility

value contrast

compositional simplicity

study guide

est. 15 hrs

approach — 8 steps

step 01
Create a light sketch outlining the figure, table, and main objects.
step 02
Block in the main color areas: background, clothing, skin, and table.
step 03
Begin refining the skin tones, paying attention to subtle color variations and shadows.
step 04
Develop the details of the clothing, adding folds and texture.
step 05
Paint the table and objects, focusing on their form and the light reflecting off them.
step 06
Add the details of the face, including the eyes, nose, and mouth.
step 07
Refine the background, adding subtle variations in color and texture.
step 08
Add final highlights and shadows to enhance the overall form and depth.

color palette

primary · raw umber · ivory black · titanium white · cadmium red

secondary · yellow ochre · burnt sienna

Mix various shades of brown and gray by combining raw umber, ivory black, and titanium white. Use cadmium red and yellow ochre to create the skin tones and the red hat.

techniques