plate no. 8321

The Sleeping Officer

oilBaroquegenre paintingfiguresinteriortableclothingpaintingofficer

some experience helpful

Recreating this painting will help students develop skills in rendering realistic skin tones and drapery, as well as understanding the use of chiaroscuro to create depth and drama.

technical profile

palette complexity

brushwork visibility

value contrast

compositional simplicity

study guide

est. 20 hrs

approach — 8 steps

step 01
Create a preliminary sketch to establish the composition and proportions of the figures and objects.
step 02
Block in the main shapes and areas of color using thin washes of paint.
step 03
Establish the light source and begin to build up the values, focusing on the areas of highlight and shadow.
step 04
Develop the details of the figures, including the facial features, clothing, and hands.
step 05
Refine the drapery and textures of the fabrics, paying attention to the way the light interacts with the folds.
step 06
Add the details of the background and surrounding objects, such as the table and the painting on the wall.
step 07
Glaze thin layers of color to unify the painting and create depth.
step 08
Add final highlights and details to complete the painting.

color palette

primary · raw umber · yellow ochre · ivory black

secondary · burnt sienna · titanium white · ultramarine blue

Achieve the warm skin tones by mixing yellow ochre, burnt sienna, and a touch of white. Use raw umber and ivory black to create the dark shadows and background tones. Mix ultramarine blue with white to create the cooler tones in the tablecloth.

techniques