Painting a portrait...
This portrait was painted in oils on canvas in the style of the old masters. The subject is Lord Fairfax who lived in the 1700's. The portrait was commissioned by a college. It is actually a copy of a much older portrait. The three illustrations to the right show what the painting looked like at three points in its development.
Stage 1: The canvas is prepared with gesso, sizing, and white lead. When this is dry, the subject is sketched with raw umber thinned with turpentine. Stage 2: (no photograph) The lights and darks are carefully rendered in warm browns.
Stage 3: Once the imprimatura had dried, "local colors" are applied. Since the oil paint is slow drying, there is plenty of time to correct any mistakes. The paint is given time to dry after each stage is completed.
Stage 4: After numerous layers of glazes, the rich dark colors are created and the portrait is finished. The light-dark contrast called "chiaroscuro" enhances the depth. Once the paint is thoroughly dry (usually a week later), it is given a coat of damar varnish for protection. The style of this portrait is appropriate for the subject.