plate no. 6980

Portrait of Emperor Paul I as a Child

oil, canvasRococoportraitportraitchildfigureclothingoval framerococo

some experience helpful

Recreating this painting will help students develop skills in portraiture, including capturing likeness and rendering realistic skin tones, as well as understanding subtle color variations and blending techniques.

technical profile

palette complexity

brushwork visibility

value contrast

compositional simplicity

study guide

est. 20 hrs

approach — 8 steps

step 01
Lightly sketch the basic shapes and proportions of the portrait, including the oval frame.
step 02
Establish the background with a thin layer of dark, muted colors.
step 03
Block in the main areas of color for the face, hair, clothing, and sash.
step 04
Begin layering and blending colors to create smooth transitions and subtle variations in skin tone.
step 05
Refine the details of the face, paying close attention to the eyes, nose, and mouth.
step 06
Add details to the clothing, including the lace collar, sash, and decorative elements.
step 07
Create the illusion of depth and form by adding highlights and shadows.
step 08
Finish by refining the details of the oval frame and adding any final touches.

color palette

primary · titanium white · cadmium red · ivory black · yellow ochre

secondary · ultramarine blue · burnt umber · raw sienna

Achieve skin tones by mixing white, yellow ochre, and a touch of red. Use ultramarine blue and black to create the dark blues of the sash. Mix burnt umber and black for the background.

techniques