plate no. 8204

Achille Baraguey D'Hilliers

oilAcademicismportraitportraitfiguremilitarylandscapeskyclothing

experienced study

Recreating this painting will help students develop skills in portraiture, including accurate proportions and rendering of facial features, as well as techniques for depicting complex textures and details in clothing and accessories.

technical profile

palette complexity

brushwork visibility

value contrast

compositional simplicity

study guide

est. 30 hrs

approach — 8 steps

step 01
Create a preliminary sketch to establish the overall composition and proportions of the figure.
step 02
Block in the main shapes and values using thin washes of color.
step 03
Develop the background, focusing on the atmospheric perspective and subtle color variations.
step 04
Refine the facial features, paying close attention to the light and shadow to create a realistic likeness.
step 05
Add details to the uniform, including the gold embroidery, buttons, and other embellishments.
step 06
Paint the boots, focusing on the highlights and reflections to create a sense of depth and shine.
step 07
Adjust the overall color balance and contrast to create a harmonious and visually appealing painting.
step 08
Add final details and highlights to complete the painting.

color palette

primary · ivory black · titanium white · cadmium red light · yellow ochre

secondary · ultramarine blue · burnt umber · raw sienna

Mix various shades of gray and brown for the landscape and clothing. Use yellow ochre and burnt umber to create the gold tones in the uniform. Mix white with small amounts of blue and red for the sky.

techniques