plate no. 7314

The Copperplate Engraver Carl Edvard Sonne

oil, canvasAcademicismportraitportraitfigureinteriorwindowtableartwork

experienced study

Recreating this painting will help students develop skills in portraiture, including accurate proportions and rendering of skin tones, as well as understanding how to create depth and atmosphere in an interior scene.

technical profile

palette complexity

brushwork visibility

value contrast

compositional simplicity

study guide

est. 30 hrs

approach — 8 steps

step 01
Begin with a light sketch outlining the main shapes and proportions of the figure and the interior elements.
step 02
Establish the overall value structure by blocking in the darks and lights with thin washes of color.
step 03
Focus on the face, carefully building up the skin tones with subtle layers of color, paying attention to highlights and shadows.
step 04
Develop the details of the clothing, rendering the folds and textures with varying brushstrokes.
step 05
Paint the background elements, including the window, wallpaper, and artwork, using a muted palette.
step 06
Add details to the table and objects on it, such as the drawing tools and violin.
step 07
Refine the overall composition, adjusting values and colors as needed to create a sense of depth and harmony.
step 08
Add final highlights and details to bring the painting to life.

color palette

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

secondary · yellow ochre · cadmium red light · ultramarine blue

Achieve skin tones by mixing white, red, yellow ochre, and a touch of umber. The dark areas are created by mixing black and umber with a touch of blue.

techniques

·portraiture
·glazing
·scumbling
·chiaroscuro
·atmospheric perspective

common pitfalls

→Incorrect proportions in the figure.
→Overly harsh or muddy skin tones.
→Lack of depth and atmosphere in the interior.
→Neglecting the subtle details that bring the painting to life.

materials

surface · stretched canvas

required

·Stretched canvas (18x24 inches)
·Oil paints (ivory black, titanium white, raw umber, burnt sienna, yellow ochre, cadmium red light, ultramarine blue)
·Palette
·Assorted brushes (round and flat)
·Linseed oil
·Odorless mineral spirits
·Palette knife
·Rags