plate no. 4930

Jean Baptiste Drouet D'Erlon

oilAcademicismportraitportraitfiguremilitarylandscapebooksclothing

experienced study

This painting offers practice in rendering realistic skin tones and textures, as well as detailed clothing and military regalia. Students will develop skills in portraiture and capturing likeness.

technical profile

palette complexity

brushwork visibility

value contrast

compositional simplicity

study guide

est. 20 hrs

approach — 8 steps

step 01
Sketch the basic composition, focusing on proportions and placement of the figure.
step 02
Block in the background with broad strokes, establishing the horizon line and general color scheme.
step 03
Roughly define the figure's form and clothing with basic shapes and values.
step 04
Begin refining the face, paying close attention to light and shadow to create form.
step 05
Develop the details of the uniform, including the gold embroidery, medals, and sash.
step 06
Add details to the background, such as the books and landscape elements.
step 07
Refine the overall painting, adjusting values and adding highlights to create depth and dimension.
step 08
Add final details and glazes to enhance the realism and richness of the painting.

color palette

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

secondary · ultramarine blue · burnt umber · raw sienna · gold

Mix various shades of gray and brown for the background. Use yellow ochre, cadmium red, and white to create realistic skin tones. Mix black and ultramarine for the uniform.

techniques