plate no. 7171

Portrait of General Claude Legrand

oilNeoclassicismportraitfigureportraitmilitarylandscapeskyuniform

experienced study

Recreating this painting will help students develop skills in portraiture, including accurate proportions and rendering of light and shadow on the face and clothing, as well as understanding atmospheric perspective in the background.

technical profile

palette complexity

brushwork visibility

value contrast

compositional simplicity

study guide

est. 25 hrs

approach — 8 steps

step 01
Sketch the basic proportions and pose of the figure, paying attention to the overall composition.
step 02
Block in the main areas of color: the sky, landscape, uniform, and skin tones.
step 03
Refine the facial features, focusing on accurate placement and subtle value changes.
step 04
Develop the details of the uniform, including the gold braid, buttons, and medals.
step 05
Add the highlights and shadows to create depth and dimension.
step 06
Paint the background landscape, using lighter values and softer edges to create atmospheric perspective.
step 07
Refine the details of the hat and sword.
step 08
Add final touches and glazes to unify the painting.

color palette

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

secondary · ultramarine blue · burnt umber · raw sienna

Mix various shades of gray for the sky and background by combining black, white, and a touch of blue or umber. Achieve skin tones by mixing white, red, yellow ochre, and a touch of umber for shadows.

techniques