plate no. 1433

The Steward (Lewis of the Porcellian)

Joseph DeCamp, 1919

oil, canvasImpressionismportraitportraitfiguretablefoodformal wearinterior

some experience helpful

Recreating this painting will help students develop skills in portraiture, including capturing likeness and rendering skin tones, as well as understanding how to depict textures and light on different surfaces.

technical profile

palette complexity

brushwork visibility

value contrast

compositional simplicity

study guide

est. 20 hrs

approach — 8 steps

step 01
Sketch the basic composition, focusing on proportions and placement of the figure and table.
step 02
Establish the background with a light, neutral tone, paying attention to subtle variations in color.
step 03
Block in the main shapes of the figure, including the head, torso, and arms, using simplified values.
step 04
Develop the facial features, focusing on accurate proportions and subtle shading to create depth.
step 05
Refine the details of the clothing, including the jacket, vest, and bow tie, paying attention to the folds and textures.
step 06
Paint the table and still life elements, focusing on accurate shapes, values, and colors.
step 07
Add highlights and shadows to create a sense of depth and dimension throughout the painting.
step 08
Make final adjustments to the overall composition, ensuring that all elements work together harmoniously.

color palette

primary · ivory black · raw umber · burnt sienna · titanium white

secondary · yellow ochre · cadmium red light · viridian

Achieve skin tones by mixing burnt sienna, raw umber, and titanium white, with small amounts of cadmium red light for warmth. Use ivory black and raw umber for the darks of the clothing, and mix yellow ochre and viridian for the vest.

techniques

·portraiture
·value studies
·blending
·glazing
·chiaroscuro

common pitfalls

→Incorrect proportions of the figure or facial features.
→Overly harsh or muddy colors in the skin tones.
→Lack of attention to detail in the clothing or still life elements.
→Failure to create a sense of depth and dimension through value and color.

materials

surface · stretched canvas

required

·stretched canvas 18x24
·oil paints (ivory black, raw umber, burnt sienna, titanium white, yellow ochre, cadmium red light, viridian)
·palette
·assorted brushes (round and flat)
·linseed oil
·odorless mineral spirits
·palette knife