plate no. 9368

Jacques-Emile Blanche

Walter Sickert, 1910

oilImpressionismportraitportraitfiguremanhatclothingindoors

some experience helpful

Recreating this painting will help students develop skills in portraiture, specifically capturing likeness and form with loose, expressive brushstrokes. It also provides practice in mixing and applying a limited color palette to create a cohesive and atmospheric effect.

technical profile

palette complexity

brushwork visibility

value contrast

compositional simplicity

study guide

est. 8 hrs

approach — 8 steps

step 01
Lightly sketch the basic shapes and proportions of the figure, hat, and background.
step 02
Establish the overall value structure with a thin wash of burnt umber or a similar earth tone.
step 03
Block in the main areas of color, focusing on the larger shapes and relationships.
step 04
Begin to build up the form with thicker, more textured brushstrokes, paying attention to the direction of light.
step 05
Refine the facial features, using small, precise strokes to capture the likeness.
step 06
Add details to the clothing and hat, using a variety of brushstrokes to create texture and interest.
step 07
Adjust the values and colors as needed to create a sense of depth and atmosphere.
step 08
Add final highlights and details to complete the painting.

color palette

primary · burnt umber · yellow ochre · ivory black · titanium white

secondary · raw sienna · ultramarine blue

Mix various shades of brown and gray by combining burnt umber, ivory black, and white. Add small amounts of yellow ochre or raw sienna to warm up the colors, and ultramarine blue to cool them down.

techniques