plate no. 0838

Emperor Francis I of Austria (1768-1835) wearing the Austrians imperial robes

oil, canvasRomanticismportraitportraitfigurerobescrownchaircurtain

experienced study

Recreating this painting will help students develop skills in portraiture, including accurate proportions and rendering of light and shadow on the face and drapery. It also provides practice in depicting complex textures and patterns, such as those found in the robes and crown.

technical profile

palette complexity

brushwork visibility

value contrast

compositional simplicity

study guide

est. 30 hrs

approach — 8 steps

step 01
Create a preliminary sketch outlining the basic composition and proportions of the figure and background.
step 02
Block in the main areas of color, focusing on establishing the overall value structure.
step 03
Refine the facial features, paying close attention to the subtle variations in tone and color.
step 04
Develop the drapery, using layers of glazes to create depth and richness.
step 05
Add details to the crown, scepter, and other accessories, using small brushes and precise strokes.
step 06
Work on the background, ensuring it complements the figure without distracting from it.
step 07
Add highlights and shadows to enhance the three-dimensionality of the forms.
step 08
Make final adjustments to the overall composition and color balance.

color palette

primary · titanium white · cadmium red · yellow ochre · ivory black

secondary · ultramarine blue · burnt umber · gold

Mix various shades of skin tones using titanium white, cadmium red, yellow ochre, and a touch of ivory black. Achieve the gold tones by mixing yellow ochre with burnt umber and a touch of cadmium red. Create the deep reds of the curtain by layering cadmium red with burnt umber.

techniques

·Portraiture
·Glazing
·Chiaroscuro
·Rendering of fabrics
·Foreshortening

common pitfalls

→Incorrect proportions of the figure.
→Overworking the details too early in the process.
→Failing to establish a strong value structure.
→Inaccurate rendering of skin tones.

materials

surface · stretched canvas

required

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