plate no. 5249

Portrait of François Tronchin

pastel, parchmentRococoportraitportraitfiguretablepaintingwiginterior

experienced study

Recreating this painting will help students develop skills in portraiture, including accurate proportions and capturing likeness. It also provides practice in rendering textures like fabric, hair, and parchment.

technical profile

palette complexity

brushwork visibility

value contrast

compositional simplicity

study guide

est. 20 hrs

approach — 8 steps

step 01
Begin with a light sketch to establish the overall composition and proportions of the figure, table, and painting.
step 02
Block in the main shapes and values using thin washes of color.
step 03
Develop the background with subtle gradations of color.
step 04
Focus on the face, paying close attention to the light and shadow to create form.
step 05
Add details to the clothing, hair, and objects on the table.
step 06
Work on the painting within the painting, capturing its unique color palette and style.
step 07
Refine the edges and details throughout the painting.
step 08
Add final highlights and shadows to create depth and dimension.

color palette

primary · ivory black · raw umber · titanium white · yellow ochre

secondary · cadmium red light · ultramarine blue

Achieve skin tones by mixing white, yellow ochre, and a touch of red. Use raw umber and black for shadows and clothing. Mix blue and white for the background.

techniques