plate no. 8521
Jean Jacques Henner
Carolus-Duran, 1891
some experience helpful
Recreating this painting will help students develop skills in portraiture, particularly in capturing likeness and rendering realistic skin tones and textures. It also provides practice in using a limited color palette to create depth and form.
technical profile
palette complexity
3
brushwork visibility
4
value contrast
3
compositional simplicity
4
study guide
est. 15 hrsapproach — 8 steps
- step 01
Create a light sketch of the portrait, focusing on proportions and placement of features.
- step 02
Block in the main shapes and values using thin washes of color.
- step 03
Start building up the skin tones, layering colors to create depth and warmth.
- step 04
Define the features of the face, paying attention to highlights and shadows.
- step 05
Paint the beard, using short, broken brushstrokes to create texture.
- step 06
Render the clothing and hat, using darker values and subtle variations in color.
- step 07
Refine the background, blending colors to create a soft, atmospheric effect.
- step 08
Add final details and highlights to complete the portrait.
color palette
primary · burnt umber · ivory black · titanium white · yellow ochre
secondary · cadmium red light · raw sienna
Mix skin tones by combining white, yellow ochre, burnt umber, and a touch of red. Use black and umber for dark areas, and white with a touch of yellow ochre for highlights.
techniques
- ·portrait sketching
- ·value blocking
- ·layering
- ·blending
- ·dry brushing
common pitfalls
- →Getting the proportions wrong in the initial sketch.
- →Overmixing colors, resulting in muddy tones.
- →Ignoring the subtle variations in skin tone.
- →Using too much paint, resulting in a thick, overworked surface.
materials
surface · stretched canvas
required
- ·stretched canvas 16x20
- ·oil paints
- ·palette
- ·assorted brushes (round and flat)
- ·linseed oil
- ·turpentine or odorless mineral spirits
- ·palette knife
- ·rags
optional
- ·medium gloss
- ·easel
- ·mahl stick
Use a medium-grit canvas for best results. Consider using a toned canvas to speed up the painting process.
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