plate no. 9832

Jeanne d’Arc, incendie de Reims

Louise Abbéma, 1914

postcardImpressionismportraitfigurearmorswordangelcastlesky

some experience helpful

Recreating this painting will help students develop skills in figure painting, particularly rendering armor and drapery, as well as atmospheric perspective for the background.

technical profile

palette complexity

brushwork visibility

value contrast

compositional simplicity

study guide

est. 12 hrs

approach — 8 steps

step 01
Sketch the basic composition, focusing on the proportions of the figure and placement of key elements.
step 02
Block in the main color areas: the sky, figure's clothing, armor, and background castle.
step 03
Begin refining the figure's features, paying attention to the light and shadow on the face and clothing.
step 04
Develop the texture of the armor using layering and dry brushing techniques.
step 05
Add details to the sword and shield, focusing on highlights and reflections.
step 06
Soften the edges of the background elements to create atmospheric perspective.
step 07
Refine the angel figure, using soft blending to create a ethereal effect.
step 08
Add final highlights and shadows to enhance the overall depth and realism.

color palette

primary · Prussian blue · Titanium white · Burnt umber

secondary · Yellow ochre · Cadmium red · Payne's gray

Mix blues and whites for the sky and clothing, adding umber for shadows. Use ochre and red for skin tones, and Payne's gray for the armor's metallic sheen.

techniques