plate no. 0542

Charles IV, Prince of Asturias

oilNeoclassicismportraitportraitfigurelandscapedogtreessky

experienced study

Recreating this painting will help students develop skills in portraiture, including accurate proportions and rendering of skin tones, as well as techniques for creating depth and atmosphere in a landscape background.

technical profile

palette complexity

brushwork visibility

value contrast

compositional simplicity

study guide

est. 30 hrs

approach — 8 steps

step 01
Sketch the basic composition, focusing on the proportions of the figure and the placement of key elements.
step 02
Block in the main areas of color, starting with the background and then moving to the figure's clothing and skin.
step 03
Develop the values and tones in the face, paying attention to the highlights and shadows to create a sense of form.
step 04
Refine the details of the clothing, including the buttons, lace, and embroidery.
step 05
Add details to the background landscape, including the trees, sky, and distant figures.
step 06
Paint the dog, focusing on its fur texture and facial expression.
step 07
Add the final details, such as the rifle and the reflections in the water.
step 08
Glaze to unify the colors and add depth.

color palette

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

secondary · cadmium red · ultramarine blue · cadmium yellow · viridian

Mix various shades of gray for the coat by combining ivory black and titanium white. Achieve skin tones by mixing yellow ochre, cadmium red, and titanium white, with small amounts of burnt umber for shadows. Create greens for the landscape by mixing ultramarine blue, cadmium yellow, and a touch of burnt umber.

techniques