plate no. 5521

Jean-Louis Buisson-Boissier

pastelRococoportraitportraitfigureclothinghairmalerococo

some experience helpful

Recreating this painting will help students develop skills in portraiture, particularly in capturing subtle skin tones and rendering delicate fabrics. It also provides practice in creating soft, diffused lighting effects.

technical profile

palette complexity

brushwork visibility

value contrast

compositional simplicity

study guide

est. 15 hrs

approach — 8 steps

step 01
Create a light sketch of the figure's pose and proportions.
step 02
Block in the background with a soft, blended color.
step 03
Establish the basic skin tones, focusing on the planes of the face.
step 04
Layer subtle color variations to create depth and realism in the skin.
step 05
Paint the clothing, paying attention to the folds and highlights.
step 06
Render the hair with delicate strokes, capturing its texture and volume.
step 07
Add details to the face, such as the eyes, nose, and mouth.
step 08
Refine the overall composition and add final touches.

color palette

primary · titanium white · raw umber · cadmium red light · ultramarine blue

secondary · ivory black · yellow ochre · violet

Achieve skin tones by mixing white, red, umber, and a touch of blue. Create the lilac color of the coat by mixing white, red, and blue. Use yellow ochre and umber for the background.

techniques