plate no. 3322

The Concert

oil, canvasHigh Renaissanceportraitfiguresportraitclothingmusical instrumentharpsichorddark background

experienced study

Recreating this painting will help students develop skills in portraiture, particularly in capturing likeness and subtle skin tones, as well as understanding the use of chiaroscuro to create depth and drama.

technical profile

palette complexity

brushwork visibility

value contrast

compositional simplicity

study guide

est. 25 hrs

approach — 8 steps

step 01
Create a preliminary sketch outlining the placement and proportions of the three figures.
step 02
Block in the main shapes and values using thin washes of color.
step 03
Begin building up the skin tones, paying close attention to the subtle variations in color and value.
step 04
Define the clothing and drapery, focusing on the folds and shadows.
step 05
Add details to the faces, including the eyes, nose, and mouth.
step 06
Paint the musical instrument, capturing its texture and form.
step 07
Refine the background, ensuring it remains dark and unobtrusive.
step 08
Add final highlights and details to complete the painting.

color palette

primary · ivory black · raw umber · burnt sienna · titanium white

secondary · cadmium red light · yellow ochre

Achieve skin tones by mixing white, raw umber, burnt sienna, and small amounts of red and yellow. Use ivory black and raw umber for the dark clothing, adding small amounts of white to create variations in value.

techniques