plate no. 3345

Napoleon on Saint Helena

oilRomanticismportraitfigureportraitinteriorwindowtablebooks

experienced study

Recreating this painting will help students develop skills in portraiture, including accurate proportions and rendering of light and shadow on the face and clothing. It also provides practice in depicting a complex interior space with various objects.

technical profile

palette complexity

brushwork visibility

value contrast

compositional simplicity

study guide

est. 20 hrs

approach — 8 steps

step 01
Begin with a light sketch of the overall composition, paying attention to proportions and placement of the figure and objects.
step 02
Block in the main shapes and areas of color, focusing on the background and the figure's clothing.
step 03
Develop the values and tones in the face, gradually building up the highlights and shadows.
step 04
Refine the details of the clothing, including the folds and wrinkles.
step 05
Add details to the interior, such as the books, table, and window.
step 06
Pay attention to the subtle color variations in the background and the figure's clothing.
step 07
Add final highlights and details to create a sense of depth and realism.
step 08
Varnish the painting for protection and to enhance the colors.

color palette

primary · titanium white · raw umber · ivory black · cadmium red light

secondary · yellow ochre · ultramarine blue · burnt sienna

Mix various shades of white with small amounts of raw umber and ivory black to create the subtle tones in the figure's clothing. Use cadmium red light mixed with white and a touch of raw umber for the shoes and the red details on the carpet. Mix ultramarine blue with raw umber and white for the background.

techniques