plate no. 2214

Portrait of Baron Larrey

oilNeoclassicismportraitportraitfigureclothingchairhistoricalmale

experienced study

Recreating this painting will help students develop skills in portraiture, including accurate proportions, rendering of fabric textures, and creating subtle gradations in skin tones. It also provides practice in depicting complex details like medals and embroidery.

technical profile

palette complexity

brushwork visibility

value contrast

compositional simplicity

study guide

est. 25 hrs

approach — 8 steps

step 01
Create a preliminary sketch to establish the overall composition and proportions of the figure.
step 02
Block in the main shapes and colors, focusing on the large areas of the background, clothing, and skin.
step 03
Refine the facial features, paying close attention to the light and shadow to create depth and form.
step 04
Develop the details of the clothing, including the folds, textures, and embellishments.
step 05
Add the smaller details, such as the medals, buttons, and writing in the hands.
step 06
Refine the background, adding subtle variations in color and texture to create depth.
step 07
Glaze the painting to unify the colors and add a sense of atmosphere.
step 08
Add final highlights and shadows to enhance the overall effect.

color palette

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

secondary · cadmium red · yellow ochre · gold

Achieve skin tones by mixing white, yellow ochre, and a touch of red and umber. Create the dark blue of the coat by mixing ultramarine blue and black, and lighten with white for highlights.

techniques

·portraiture
·glazing
·underpainting
·chiaroscuro
·fabric rendering

common pitfalls

→Incorrect proportions of the figure.
→Overworking the details before establishing the overall form.
→Using colors that are too saturated or unnatural.
→Failing to create a sense of depth and atmosphere.

materials

surface · stretched canvas

required

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