plate no. 4914
The Lute Player
Andrea Solario, 1510
some experience helpful
Recreating this painting will help students develop skills in portraiture, including accurate proportions and rendering of skin tones, as well as understanding how to depict fabric and textures.
technical profile
palette complexity
3
brushwork visibility
3
value contrast
3
compositional simplicity
4
study guide
est. 20 hrsapproach — 8 steps
- step 01
Create a light sketch outlining the basic shapes and proportions of the figure, lute, and chair.
- step 02
Block in the main areas of color: the background, skin tones, dress, lute, and chair.
- step 03
Begin refining the skin tones, paying attention to subtle variations in color and value.
- step 04
Develop the details of the dress, including the folds and highlights.
- step 05
Work on the lute, focusing on the wood grain and strings.
- step 06
Add details to the face, including the eyes, nose, and mouth.
- step 07
Refine the background and chair, adding subtle details and shadows.
- step 08
Add final highlights and details to complete the painting.
color palette
primary · ivory black · sap green · cadmium red light · raw umber
secondary · titanium white · yellow ochre · alizarin crimson
Mix various shades of green by combining sap green with ivory black and yellow ochre. Achieve skin tones by blending titanium white, yellow ochre, raw umber, and a touch of cadmium red light.
techniques
- ·portraiture
- ·glazing
- ·blending
- ·rendering
- ·chiaroscuro
common pitfalls
- →Getting the proportions of the figure wrong.
- →Overworking the skin tones, resulting in a flat or lifeless appearance.
- →Failing to capture the subtle details of the dress and lute.
- →Ignoring the importance of light and shadow in creating depth and form.
materials
surface · stretched canvas
required
- ·stretched canvas 16x20
- ·ivory black oil paint
- ·sap green oil paint
- ·cadmium red light oil paint
- ·raw umber oil paint
- ·titanium white oil paint
- ·round brushes (sizes 2, 4, 6)
- ·linseed oil
optional
- ·palette knife
- ·medium gloss
- ·retouch varnish
Use high-quality oil paints for best results. Consider using a medium to thin the paints and improve flow.
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