plate no. 9232

Thomas Dawson and His Family

oilRomanticismportraitfamilyportraitbuildingdoghorsetrees

some experience helpful

Recreating this painting will help students develop skills in portraiture, including capturing likeness and rendering clothing, as well as understanding atmospheric perspective and creating a sense of depth.

technical profile

palette complexity

brushwork visibility

value contrast

compositional simplicity

study guide

est. 25 hrs

approach — 8 steps

step 01
Sketch the basic composition, paying attention to the placement and proportions of the figures, horse, and dog.
step 02
Block in the main shapes and colors of the background, including the building, trees, and sky.
step 03
Begin to refine the figures, starting with the largest shapes and gradually adding details.
step 04
Focus on capturing the likeness of each individual, paying attention to their facial features and expressions.
step 05
Develop the details of the clothing, including the folds, textures, and patterns.
step 06
Paint the horse and dog, paying attention to their anatomy and proportions.
step 07
Add highlights and shadows to create a sense of depth and dimension.
step 08
Refine the details and make any necessary adjustments to the composition.

color palette

primary · ivory black · yellow ochre · burnt umber · titanium white

secondary · cadmium red · ultramarine blue · sap green

Mix various shades of brown and gray by combining burnt umber, ivory black, and titanium white. Use yellow ochre and cadmium red to create the warm tones of the building and ground. Mix greens by combining ultramarine blue and yellow ochre.

techniques