plate no. 2257
William Sharp
Charles Turner, 1810
some experience helpful
Recreating this painting will help students develop skills in portraiture, including accurate proportions and subtle value gradations. It also provides practice in rendering textures like fabric and hair.
technical profile
palette complexity
3
brushwork visibility
2
value contrast
4
compositional simplicity
4
study guide
est. 12 hrsapproach — 8 steps
- step 01
Create a light sketch of the figure, paying attention to proportions and pose.
- step 02
Block in the main shapes and areas of light and shadow using a mid-tone.
- step 03
Gradually build up darker values in the clothing and background.
- step 04
Add highlights to the face, hair, and details of the clothing.
- step 05
Refine the facial features, paying close attention to the eyes, nose, and mouth.
- step 06
Add details to the lace and other embellishments.
- step 07
Soften edges and blend transitions between values.
- step 08
Add final details and highlights to complete the painting.
color palette
primary · raw umber · ivory black · titanium white
secondary · yellow ochre · burnt sienna
Mix various shades of gray and brown by combining raw umber, ivory black, and titanium white. Use yellow ochre and burnt sienna sparingly to add warmth to the skin tones.
techniques
- ·value studies
- ·portrait sketching
- ·blending
- ·glazing
- ·rendering fabric
common pitfalls
- →Incorrect proportions
- →Muddy colors
- →Overly harsh lines
- →Lack of subtle value changes
materials
surface · stretched canvas
required
- ·stretched canvas
- ·raw umber oil paint
- ·ivory black oil paint
- ·titanium white oil paint
- ·#2 round brush
- ·#6 flat brush
- ·palette
- ·linseed oil
optional
- ·palette knife
- ·medium gloss
- ·easel
Use a smooth canvas for best results. Consider using a toned canvas to help establish the mid-tones.
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