plate no. 7881

Louis XV, King of France

Charles-Andre van Loo (Carle van Loo), 1748

oil, canvasRococoportraitportraitfigureclothinghorseinteriorcrown

experienced study

Recreating this painting would help students develop skills in portraiture, including capturing likeness and rendering intricate details in clothing and accessories. It also provides practice in creating depth and atmosphere through subtle color variations and glazing techniques.

technical profile

palette complexity

brushwork visibility

value contrast

compositional simplicity

study guide

est. 40 hrs

approach — 8 steps

step 01
Sketch the basic composition, focusing on proportions and placement of the figure and key elements.
step 02
Establish the background with broad washes of color, creating the atmospheric perspective.
step 03
Block in the main shapes of the figure, clothing, and accessories using simplified color values.
step 04
Begin refining the facial features, paying close attention to light and shadow to create form.
step 05
Develop the details of the clothing, including the intricate gold embroidery and fabric textures.
step 06
Add details to the background elements, such as the horse, soldiers, and tent.
step 07
Glaze layers of color to enhance depth and create subtle color transitions.
step 08
Add final highlights and details to bring the painting to life.

color palette

primary · Prussian Blue · Titanium White · Burnt Umber · Yellow Ochre

secondary · Cadmium Red · Ivory Black · Gold

Achieve the subtle skin tones by mixing Titanium White, Yellow Ochre, and a touch of Cadmium Red. Create the rich blues of the coat by mixing Prussian Blue and Ivory Black. Use Burnt Umber and Yellow Ochre for the gold details, highlighting with pure gold.

techniques

·Underpainting
·Glazing
·Scumbling
·Chiaroscuro
·Portraiture

common pitfalls

→Getting the proportions of the figure wrong.
→Oversimplifying the color palette and losing the subtle variations.
→Rushing the details and losing the overall harmony of the painting.
→Failing to create a sense of depth and atmosphere.

materials

surface · Stretched canvas

required

·Stretched canvas 24x36
·Oil paints (Prussian Blue, Titanium White, Burnt Umber, Yellow Ochre, Cadmium Red, Ivory Black)
·Round brushes (#2, #4, #6)
·Flat brushes (#8, #10)
·Linseed oil
·Turpentine
·Palette
·Palette knife