plate no. 0572

The Kislar Aghassi, head of the black eunuchs

oilBaroqueportraitfigureportraitclothingarchitecturedoorwayinterior

some experience helpful

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

technical profile

palette complexity

brushwork visibility

value contrast

compositional simplicity

study guide

est. 20 hrs

approach — 8 steps

step 01
Begin with a light sketch outlining the figure's pose and the architectural elements.
step 02
Establish the background with a thin wash of neutral tones, paying attention to the tile pattern.
step 03
Block in the main shapes of the figure, focusing on the red robe and white cloak.
step 04
Develop the skin tones, using a limited palette of browns and reds.
step 05
Add details to the clothing, including the folds and highlights in the fabric.
step 06
Refine the architectural details, such as the window and doorway.
step 07
Add the belt and turban details.
step 08
Apply final glazes to unify the painting and enhance the colors.

color palette

primary · red · white · grey · brown

secondary · green · gold

Mix various shades of red by combining a base red with browns and whites. Achieve the off-white of the cloak by adding small amounts of yellow ochre and burnt umber to titanium white.

techniques

·glazing
·scumbling
·chiaroscuro
·portraiture
·fabric rendering

common pitfalls

→Getting the proportions of the figure wrong.
→Overworking the details too early in the process.
→Failing to create a sense of depth and volume.
→Not paying attention to the subtle color variations in the fabric.

materials

surface · stretched canvas

required

·stretched canvas 18x24
·oil paints (titanium white, burnt umber, yellow ochre, cadmium red, ivory black)
·linseed oil
·turpentine
·assorted brushes (round and flat)
·palette
·palette knife