plate no. 3665

The Hon. Henry Gullett MLC

Julian Ashton, 1905

oilRealismportraitportraitmanclothingbookbeardfigure

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 creating depth and form through subtle value changes and brushwork.

technical profile

palette complexity

brushwork visibility

value contrast

compositional simplicity

study guide

est. 15 hrs

approach — 8 steps

step 01
Begin with a light sketch outlining the basic shapes and proportions of the figure, focusing on the head, shoulders, and hands.
step 02
Establish the background with a dark, muted tone, leaving the figure as the focal point.
step 03
Block in the main areas of color for the skin, clothing, and book, using thin washes of paint.
step 04
Gradually build up the values and details in the face, paying close attention to the highlights and shadows to create form.
step 05
Refine the clothing, adding details such as buttons, folds, and textures.
step 06
Work on the hands and the book, adding subtle details to make them appear realistic.
step 07
Adjust the overall composition and values to create a sense of depth and harmony.
step 08
Add final highlights and details to complete the painting.

color palette

primary · raw umber · titanium white · ivory black

secondary · cadmium red light · yellow ochre · viridian

Mix skin tones using white, yellow ochre, and a touch of red. Achieve the dark background by mixing black and umber. Use viridian and white to create the green of the book.

techniques