plate no. 5747
Elisa Bonaparte with Her Daughter Napoleona Baciocchi
experienced study
Recreating this painting will develop skills in portraiture, including capturing likeness and rendering realistic skin tones, as well as understanding how to depict drapery and textures.
technical profile
palette complexity
4
brushwork visibility
3
value contrast
3
compositional simplicity
2
study guide
est. 30 hrsapproach — 8 steps
- step 01
Begin with a light sketch outlining the main figures and architectural elements.
- step 02
Establish the background with broad strokes of green and brown, focusing on creating depth.
- step 03
Block in the main shapes of the figures, paying attention to proportions and pose.
- step 04
Start layering in the skin tones, using subtle variations to create form and volume.
- step 05
Develop the details of the clothing, focusing on the folds and highlights of the fabric.
- step 06
Add the architectural details and foliage, paying attention to perspective and light.
- step 07
Refine the facial features, capturing the likeness and expression of the subjects.
- step 08
Add final details and highlights to create a sense of realism and depth.
color palette
primary · red · white · green · brown
secondary · gold · yellow · blue
Achieve skin tones by mixing white, yellow ochre, and a touch of red. Create depth in the greens by layering different shades of green and brown.
techniques
- ·portraiture
- ·drapery
- ·glazing
- ·blending
- ·scumbling
common pitfalls
- →Incorrect proportions of the figures.
- →Overly harsh or flat skin tones.
- →Lack of depth in the background.
- →Ignoring the subtle variations in color and light.
materials
surface · stretched canvas
required
- ·Stretched canvas
- ·Oil paints (red, white, green, brown, yellow ochre, blue)
- ·Palette
- ·Assorted brushes (round, flat, filbert)
- ·Linseed oil
- ·Turpentine
- ·Palette knife
- ·Rags
optional
- ·Medium gloss
- ·Retouch varnish
- ·Easel
Use high-quality oil paints for best results. Allow each layer to dry before applying the next.
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