plate no. 8853

Paul Claudel, French Writer and Diplomat

Jacques-Émile Blanche, 1919

oil, canvasPost-Impressionismportraitportraitfigurechairinteriormansuit

some experience helpful

Recreating this painting will help students develop skills in portraiture, including capturing likeness and rendering form with subtle value changes. It also provides practice in creating a sense of depth and atmosphere through loose brushwork and limited color palette.

technical profile

palette complexity

brushwork visibility

value contrast

compositional simplicity

study guide

est. 12 hrs

approach — 8 steps

step 01
Sketch the basic composition, paying attention to proportions and the placement of the figure within the chair.
step 02
Establish the overall value structure with a thin wash of burnt umber or a similar earth tone.
step 03
Block in the main areas of color, focusing on the darks of the suit and the mid-tones of the face and hands.
step 04
Begin refining the facial features, paying close attention to the subtle shifts in value and color.
step 05
Add details to the suit and chair, using loose brushstrokes to suggest texture and form.
step 06
Develop the background, creating a sense of depth and atmosphere with soft, blended tones.
step 07
Add highlights and shadows to create contrast and dimension.
step 08
Refine the details and adjust the overall composition as needed.

color palette

primary · ivory black · raw umber · titanium white

secondary · burnt sienna · yellow ochre · alizarin crimson

Mix various shades of gray and brown by combining ivory black, raw umber, and titanium white. Add small amounts of burnt sienna and alizarin crimson to create warmer tones for the skin and background.

techniques