plate no. 4953

Portrait de Jacques Louis David adolescent

oilNeoclassicismportraitportraitfigurebookpenclothinghair

some experience helpful

Recreating this painting will help students develop skills in portraiture, including accurate proportions and subtle value gradations to create form. It also provides practice in rendering fabric and creating a sense of depth through atmospheric perspective.

technical profile

palette complexity

brushwork visibility

value contrast

compositional simplicity

study guide

est. 15 hrs

approach — 8 steps

step 01
Create a light sketch outlining the basic shapes and proportions of the figure, book, and pen.
step 02
Establish the background with a thin wash of dark brown and gradually build up the darker values.
step 03
Block in the main areas of color for the skin, hair, clothing, and book, focusing on the overall value relationships.
step 04
Begin refining the facial features, paying close attention to the subtle shifts in value and color.
step 05
Develop the details of the clothing, including the folds and highlights, using a combination of blending and layering.
step 06
Add the details of the book and pen, paying attention to their texture and form.
step 07
Refine the overall composition, adjusting values and colors as needed to create a sense of harmony and balance.
step 08
Add final highlights and details to bring the painting to life.

color palette

primary · ivory black · titanium white · ultramarine blue · burnt umber

secondary · yellow ochre · cadmium red light

Mix skin tones by blending white, yellow ochre, and a touch of red. Use ultramarine blue and burnt umber to create the dark blues of the coat, adjusting the ratio for different shades. Add white to lighten the blues.

techniques