plate no. 4081

Amiral De Mackau (1788-1855)

oilAcademicismportraitportraitfiguremilitaryuniformtabledrapery

experienced study

Recreating this painting will develop skills in portraiture, including accurate proportions and capturing likeness, as well as rendering complex textures and details in clothing and drapery. Students will also learn about color mixing to achieve subtle variations in skin tones and fabric.

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 and background elements.
step 02
Block in the main shapes and values using a limited palette of earth tones.
step 03
Develop the background drapery with soft, blended brushstrokes, paying attention to light and shadow.
step 04
Refine the facial features, focusing on accurate placement and subtle value changes to create a realistic likeness.
step 05
Add details to the uniform, including the gold embroidery, medals, and sash, using small brushes and precise strokes.
step 06
Render the table and objects on it, paying attention to perspective and reflections.
step 07
Adjust the overall color balance and value contrast to create a harmonious and visually appealing composition.
step 08
Add final details and highlights to enhance the realism and depth of the painting.

color palette

primary · ivory black · raw umber · burnt sienna · titanium white

secondary · cadmium red light · yellow ochre · ultramarine blue

Achieve skin tones by mixing white, yellow ochre, and a touch of red. Create the dark blues of the uniform by mixing black and ultramarine blue. Muted golds are achieved by mixing yellow ochre, burnt sienna, and a touch of black.

techniques

·portraiture
·glazing
·scumbling
·chiaroscuro
·rendering textures

common pitfalls

→Inaccurate proportions of the figure.
→Overworking the details before establishing the overall values.
→Using colors that are too saturated or bright.
→Failing to create a convincing sense of depth and atmosphere.

materials

surface · stretched canvas

required

·Stretched canvas 24x36
·Oil paints (ivory black, raw umber, burnt sienna, titanium white, cadmium red light, yellow ochre, ultramarine blue)
·Assorted brushes (round, flat, filbert)
·Palette
·Palette knife
·Odorless mineral spirits
·Linseed oil
·Painting medium