plate no. 1047

Portrait of Antoine Vollon

oilRomanticismportraitportraitmanbeardhatfigure

some experience helpful

Recreating this painting will help students understand how to capture a likeness using simplified shapes and how to create depth and form with a limited color palette. It also provides practice in capturing the texture of facial hair and clothing with visible brushstrokes.

technical profile

palette complexity

brushwork visibility

value contrast

compositional simplicity

study guide

est. 10 hrs

approach — 8 steps

step 01
Lightly sketch the basic shapes of the head, shoulders, and hat.
step 02
Block in the background with a thin layer of burnt umber and raw sienna.
step 03
Establish the darkest values in the hair, beard, and shadows of the face.
step 04
Add the mid-tones to the face, using a mix of burnt sienna, white, and a touch of red.
step 05
Introduce highlights to the face, focusing on the forehead, nose, and cheekbones.
step 06
Refine the details of the eyes, nose, and mouth.
step 07
Add the clothing and collar, paying attention to the folds and shadows.
step 08
Adjust the values and colors throughout the painting to create a sense of depth and realism.

color palette

primary · burnt umber · raw sienna · titanium white

secondary · cadmium red · ivory black

Achieve skin tones by mixing burnt sienna, white, and a touch of red. Use burnt umber and black for shadows and hair. Mix raw sienna with white for highlights in the background.

techniques