plate no. 2889

Charles Joseph de Pallu

oilRococoportraitportraitfigureclothinglacehairoval

some experience helpful

Recreating this portrait will help students develop skills in portrait proportions, rendering skin tones, and depicting fabric textures. It also provides practice in creating subtle gradations of light and shadow.

technical profile

palette complexity

brushwork visibility

value contrast

compositional simplicity

study guide

est. 15 hrs

approach — 8 steps

step 01
Lightly sketch the oval shape and the basic proportions of the figure.
step 02
Block in the main shapes of the face, hair, clothing, and background with thin washes of color.
step 03
Begin refining the skin tones, paying close attention to the subtle variations in color and value.
step 04
Develop the details of the hair, using small brushstrokes to create texture and form.
step 05
Work on the clothing, focusing on the folds and the subtle variations in color caused by light and shadow.
step 06
Add the details of the lace and the gold embellishments, using fine brushes and careful observation.
step 07
Refine the background, ensuring that it complements the figure without distracting from it.
step 08
Add final highlights and shadows to create depth and dimension.

color palette

primary · titanium white · ivory black · raw umber · cadmium red light

secondary · yellow ochre · viridian green · gold

Mix skin tones using white, red, yellow ochre, and a touch of umber. Achieve the grey-blue of the coat by mixing white, black, and a touch of blue. Use thin glazes to build up color and create subtle variations.

techniques