plate no. 6806

Gioacchino Murat

oilNeoclassicismportraitportraitfigureclothingcolumninteriorhat

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 clothing. It also provides practice in depicting complex textures and details, such as the gold embroidery and the feathered hat.

technical profile

palette complexity

brushwork visibility

value contrast

compositional simplicity

study guide

est. 30 hrs

approach — 8 steps

step 01
Sketch the basic figure proportions and pose, paying attention to the placement on the canvas.
step 02
Block in the background and the main areas of color for the figure's clothing and skin tones.
step 03
Begin refining the facial features, focusing on accurate placement and proportions.
step 04
Develop the values and shading on the face, creating a sense of depth and form.
step 05
Start adding details to the clothing, including the gold embroidery, buttons, and other embellishments.
step 06
Work on the textures of the fabric and the feathered hat, using different brushstrokes to create visual interest.
step 07
Refine the background, adding subtle details and variations in color.
step 08
Add final highlights and shadows to enhance the overall sense of realism.

color palette

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

secondary · ultramarine blue · raw umber · gold

Achieve skin tones by mixing white, yellow ochre, and a touch of red. Use ultramarine blue and ivory black to create the dark blues of the coat. Mix gold with yellow ochre and a touch of brown for the embroidery.

techniques