plate no. 7997

Louis XV of France

pastel, canvasRococoportraitportraitfigurearmorclothinghistoricalroyal

some experience helpful

Recreating this painting will help students develop skills in portraiture, including accurate proportions and capturing likeness, as well as rendering realistic textures like metal and fabric.

technical profile

palette complexity

brushwork visibility

value contrast

compositional simplicity

study guide

est. 20 hrs

approach — 8 steps

step 01
Create a light sketch outlining the basic shapes and proportions of the figure, focusing on the head, shoulders, and armor.
step 02
Block in the background with a thin, even layer of muted green and gray tones.
step 03
Establish the main values of the face, using light and shadow to define the features.
step 04
Begin layering colors for the skin tones, blending carefully to create smooth transitions.
step 05
Work on the hair, using short, curved strokes to suggest the texture and form of the wig.
step 06
Define the armor, paying close attention to the highlights and shadows that create the illusion of metallic surfaces.
step 07
Add details to the clothing, including the fur trim, ribbons, and decorations.
step 08
Refine the overall composition, adjusting values and colors as needed to create a cohesive and realistic portrait.

color palette

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

secondary · viridian green · ultramarine blue · burnt umber

Mix skin tones using white, yellow ochre, and a touch of red. Achieve the metallic sheen of the armor by layering grays and whites, and use glazes of blue and brown to create depth and dimension.

techniques