plate no. 1106

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oil, canvasNeoclassicismgenre paintingfigurecandlelightportraithandpaper

experienced study

Recreating this painting will help students understand chiaroscuro and how light affects form. It also provides practice in rendering skin tones under dramatic lighting conditions.

technical profile

palette complexity

brushwork visibility

value contrast

compositional simplicity

study guide

est. 20 hrs

approach — 8 steps

step 01
Sketch the basic composition, focusing on the placement of the figure, hand, and light source.
step 02
Establish the darkest areas of the background with a dark, neutral tone.
step 03
Block in the main shapes of the figure and paper lantern with mid-tones.
step 04
Begin layering in highlights on the face, hand, and paper, paying close attention to the direction and intensity of the light.
step 05
Refine the shadows and mid-tones, blending carefully to create smooth transitions.
step 06
Add details to the face and hands, such as the eyes, nose, and wrinkles.
step 07
Develop the texture of the paper lantern with small, precise brushstrokes.
step 08
Add final highlights and shadows to enhance the dramatic effect.

color palette

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

secondary · burnt sienna · cadmium yellow light

Mix ivory black with raw umber for the dark background. Use yellow ochre and titanium white for the light areas, adding burnt sienna for warmth and cadmium yellow light for the brightest highlights.

techniques