plate no. 4105

Portrait of Jean-Baptiste Belley, Deputy for Saint-Domingue

oil, canvasRomanticismportraitfigureportraitstatuelandscapeclothingsky

experienced study

Recreating this painting will help students develop skills in portraiture, including capturing likeness and rendering realistic skin tones, as well as understanding and applying chiaroscuro to create depth and form.

technical profile

palette complexity

brushwork visibility

value contrast

compositional simplicity

study guide

est. 25 hrs

approach — 8 steps

step 01
Sketch the basic composition, paying attention to proportions and placement of the figure and statue.
step 02
Establish the background with thin washes of color, focusing on the sky and distant landscape.
step 03
Block in the main shapes of the figure and statue with mid-tones.
step 04
Begin building up the darks and lights in the figure's face and clothing, focusing on the planes of the face.
step 05
Refine the details of the statue, paying attention to the subtle variations in tone and texture.
step 06
Add highlights to the figure's clothing and skin to create a sense of volume.
step 07
Develop the details of the sash and other accessories.
step 08
Make final adjustments to the overall composition, ensuring that the values and colors are balanced.

color palette

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

secondary · burnt sienna · cadmium red light · ultramarine blue

Mix various shades of brown and gray by combining the primary colors. Use white to lighten the tones and a touch of blue to cool them down. Use red and yellow to create the flesh tones.

techniques