plate no. 9490

General Baston De Lariboisière and His Son Ferdinand

oilNeoclassicismportraitfiguresmilitaryportraitlandscapearmorflag

experienced study

Recreating this painting will help students develop skills in portraiture, including accurate proportions and rendering of facial features, as well as practice in depicting metallic textures and complex drapery.

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 main figures and composition.
step 02
Establish the background landscape with broad washes of color.
step 03
Block in the main shapes of the figures, focusing on accurate proportions and placement.
step 04
Develop the values and colors of the clothing and armor, paying attention to light and shadow.
step 05
Refine the facial features, focusing on capturing the likeness and expression of each figure.
step 06
Add details such as medals, buttons, and other embellishments.
step 07
Work on the background details, including the flag, horses, and other figures.
step 08
Add final highlights and shadows to create depth and dimension.

color palette

primary · ivory black · titanium white · raw umber · burnt sienna

secondary · cadmium red · ultramarine blue · yellow ochre

Mix various shades of brown and gray by combining the primary colors. Use white to lighten colors and create highlights. Achieve metallic effects by layering thin glazes of color.

techniques