plate no. 7409

Three Generations

oilBaroqueself-portraitfiguresportraitsbookspaintingsinteriorartist studio

experienced study

Recreating this painting will help students develop skills in portraiture, rendering fabric folds, and creating a sense of depth through layering and subtle color variations. It also provides practice in depicting complex compositions with multiple elements.

technical profile

palette complexity

brushwork visibility

value contrast

compositional simplicity

study guide

est. 25 hrs

approach — 8 steps

step 01
Create a detailed sketch of the composition, paying attention to proportions and placement of figures and objects.
step 02
Establish the background with thin washes of muted greens and browns.
step 03
Block in the main shapes of the figures with basic color mixtures, focusing on light and shadow.
step 04
Develop the details of the faces, paying close attention to skin tones and subtle variations in color.
step 05
Render the fabric folds and textures of the clothing, using highlights and shadows to create volume.
step 06
Paint the still life elements, such as the books, paintings, and palette, with careful attention to detail.
step 07
Add final details and highlights to enhance the realism and depth of the painting.
step 08
Glaze with thin layers to unify the colors and create a sense of atmosphere.

color palette

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

secondary · ultramarine blue · cadmium red light · sap green

Achieve skin tones by mixing white, yellow ochre, and a touch of red. Use ultramarine blue and burnt umber to create muted greens and browns for the background and shadows. Mix white with a touch of ultramarine blue to create the lavender of the robe.

techniques