plate no. 1217

Auguste Regnaud De Saint Jean D'Angély

oilAcademicismportraitportraitfiguremilitarylandscapedrummap

experienced study

Recreating this painting will help students develop skills in portraiture, including accurate proportions and rendering of light and shadow, as well as detailed rendering of complex textures and patterns in clothing and objects.

technical profile

palette complexity

brushwork visibility

value contrast

compositional simplicity

study guide

est. 30 hrs

approach — 8 steps

step 01
Begin with a light sketch outlining the figure's proportions and the placement of key elements like the drums, map, and background landscape.
step 02
Establish the background sky and distant landscape with broad, blended strokes, focusing on atmospheric perspective.
step 03
Block in the main areas of color for the figure, starting with the skin tones and then moving to the uniform and white trousers.
step 04
Develop the details of the face, paying close attention to the subtle variations in value and color to create a realistic likeness.
step 05
Carefully render the intricate details of the uniform, including the gold embroidery, medals, and sash, using fine brushes and precise strokes.
step 06
Paint the drums and map, focusing on accurate representation of their textures and details.
step 07
Add the figures in the background, simplifying their forms and colors to maintain the sense of distance.
step 08
Refine the overall composition, adjusting values and colors as needed to create a cohesive and visually appealing image.

color palette

primary · ultramarine blue · ivory black · titanium white · cadmium red

secondary · yellow ochre · burnt umber · raw sienna · gold

Achieve skin tones by mixing white, red, yellow ochre, and a touch of umber. Create the uniform's dark blue by mixing ultramarine blue and black. Use gold paint or mix yellow ochre with a touch of burnt sienna for the metallic details.

techniques

·portraiture
·glazing
·scumbling
·rendering
·atmospheric perspective

common pitfalls

→Inaccurate proportions of the figure.
→Overworking the details, resulting in a stiff or unnatural appearance.
→Failing to create a sense of depth and atmosphere in the background.
→Incorrect color mixing, leading to unnatural skin tones or uniform colors.

materials

surface · stretched canvas

required

·stretched canvas 24x36
·oil paints (ultramarine blue, ivory black, titanium white, cadmium red, yellow ochre, burnt umber, raw sienna)
·assorted brushes (round, flat, filbert)
·palette
·palette knife
·linseed oil
·turpentine
·rags