plate no. 7891

Thomas Erskine, 1st Baron Erskine

oilRomanticismportraitportraitfiguremanclothinghistoricalneutral background

some experience helpful

Recreating this portrait will help students develop skills in tonal value painting and capturing likeness through careful observation of light and shadow. Students will also practice blending and creating soft transitions.

technical profile

palette complexity

brushwork visibility

value contrast

compositional simplicity

study guide

est. 15 hrs

approach — 8 steps

step 01
Create a light sketch outlining the basic proportions and pose of the figure.
step 02
Establish the darkest values in the clothing and background.
step 03
Begin layering in mid-tones, focusing on the planes of the face and the folds of the clothing.
step 04
Carefully blend the transitions between light and shadow to create a smooth, realistic effect.
step 05
Add highlights to the face, hair, and clothing to create depth and dimension.
step 06
Refine the details of the facial features, paying close attention to the eyes, nose, and mouth.
step 07
Adjust the overall values and contrast to achieve a balanced and harmonious composition.
step 08
Add final details such as the ruffled collar and buttons.

color palette

primary · ivory black · raw umber · titanium white

secondary · yellow ochre · burnt umber

Achieve the various shades of gray and brown by mixing ivory black, raw umber, and titanium white in different proportions. Add small amounts of yellow ochre or burnt umber for subtle warmth.

techniques