plate no. 6685

Portrait of Jacques-Louis David

oilNeoclassicismportraitportraitfiguremanclothinghistoricalface

some experience helpful

Recreating this painting will help students develop skills in portraiture, including accurate proportions, subtle value gradations for skin tones, and rendering of fabric textures. It also provides practice in creating a focal point through careful use of light and shadow.

technical profile

palette complexity

brushwork visibility

value contrast

compositional simplicity

study guide

est. 15 hrs

approach — 8 steps

step 01
Sketch the basic proportions of the head, shoulders, and clothing, paying attention to the overall composition.
step 02
Establish the main light and shadow areas using a thin wash of burnt umber or a similar earth tone.
step 03
Block in the background with a dark, muted green or brown.
step 04
Begin layering in the skin tones, starting with mid-tones and gradually adding highlights and shadows.
step 05
Paint the clothing, focusing on the folds and textures of the fabric.
step 06
Add details to the face, such as the eyes, nose, and mouth, paying close attention to accuracy.
step 07
Refine the highlights and shadows throughout the painting to create depth and dimension.
step 08
Add final details, such as the hair and any small accessories.

color palette

primary · ivory black · titanium white · burnt umber · raw sienna

secondary · cadmium red · viridian green · ultramarine blue

Mix skin tones using white, burnt umber, raw sienna, and a touch of red. Achieve the dark background by mixing black, umber, and a hint of green or blue. Use white and a touch of blue for the white shirt.

techniques