plate no. 6700
The Right Honourable David Lloyd George
Augustus John, 1916
study guide
est. 15 hrsapproach — 8 steps
- step 01
Sketch the basic proportions and pose of the figure on the canvas.
- step 02
Block in the main areas of color, focusing on the background, skin tones, and clothing.
- step 03
Refine the facial features, paying attention to the light and shadow on the face.
- step 04
Develop the details of the clothing, using visible brushstrokes to create texture and form.
- step 05
Add highlights and shadows to create depth and dimension.
- step 06
Refine the background, ensuring it complements the figure.
- step 07
Check the overall composition and make any necessary adjustments.
- step 08
Add final details and highlights to complete the painting.
color palette
primary · titanium white · ivory black · burnt umber · cadmium red light
secondary · ultramarine blue · yellow ochre
Mix skin tones using white, red, yellow ochre, and a touch of blue or umber for shadows. Create the suit color by mixing blue, black, and white, adjusting the proportions for different shades.
techniques
- ·portraiture
- ·alla prima
- ·broken color
- ·scumbling
- ·color mixing
common pitfalls
- →Overblending skin tones, resulting in a flat appearance.
- →Losing the likeness of the subject.
- →Ignoring the importance of value contrast.
- →Getting bogged down in details too early.
- →Not observing the subtle color variations in the clothing.
materials
surface · stretched canvas
required
- ·stretched canvas 16x20
- ·oil paints
- ·#4 round brush
- ·#6 flat brush
- ·#8 filbert brush
- ·palette
- ·linseed oil
- ·turpentine
optional
- ·palette knife
- ·painting medium
- ·varnish
Use a medium-tooth canvas for better texture. Consider using a limited palette to simplify color mixing.
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