plate no. 7967

Martin Michel Charles Gaudin

oilNeoclassicismportraitportraitfigureclothingdeskinteriorcarpet

experienced study

Recreating this painting will help students develop skills in portraiture, including capturing likeness and rendering complex fabrics and textures. It also provides practice in creating depth and atmosphere through subtle value changes.

technical profile

palette complexity

brushwork visibility

value contrast

compositional simplicity

study guide

est. 25 hrs

approach — 8 steps

step 01
Sketch the basic composition, focusing on proportions and placement of the figure and key objects.
step 02
Establish the background with broad, muted tones, creating a sense of depth.
step 03
Block in the main shapes of the figure, paying attention to the folds and drapery of the clothing.
step 04
Begin refining the facial features, focusing on accurate proportions and subtle value changes.
step 05
Develop the details of the clothing, including the intricate patterns and textures.
step 06
Add highlights and shadows to create form and dimension, particularly on the face and clothing.
step 07
Refine the background and foreground details, ensuring they support the overall composition.
step 08
Add final touches and glazes to enhance the colors and create a sense of atmosphere.

color palette

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

secondary · yellow ochre · ivory black · gold

Achieve the rich blues by mixing ultramarine with a touch of ivory black and white. Create the flesh tones by blending cadmium red, yellow ochre, and white, adjusting the proportions for highlights and shadows.

techniques

·portraiture
·glazing
·scumbling
·chiaroscuro
·rendering fabric

common pitfalls

→Incorrect proportions of the figure, especially the face.
→Overworking the details too early in the process.
→Failing to create a sense of depth and atmosphere.
→Inaccurate color mixing, resulting in unnatural skin tones.

materials

surface · stretched canvas

required

·stretched canvas 18x24
·oil paints (ultramarine blue, titanium white, cadmium red, raw umber, yellow ochre, ivory black)
·linseed oil
·turpentine
·assorted brushes (round and flat)
·palette
·palette knife
·rags