plate no. 5633

Portrait of Jean Lannes

oilNeoclassicismportraitportraitfiguremilitary uniformmanclothinghistorical

some experience helpful

Recreating this painting will help students develop skills in portraiture, including accurate proportions, realistic skin tones, and rendering of fabric textures. It also offers practice in creating subtle gradients and capturing a likeness.

technical profile

palette complexity

brushwork visibility

value contrast

compositional simplicity

study guide

est. 20 hrs

approach — 8 steps

step 01
Create a light sketch outlining the figure's pose and proportions.
step 02
Block in the main shapes and colors of the background, clothing, and skin.
step 03
Begin refining the facial features, paying close attention to light and shadow.
step 04
Develop the details of the uniform, including buttons, epaulettes, and trim.
step 05
Work on the hair, using short, broken strokes to create texture.
step 06
Refine the transitions between light and shadow, blending carefully.
step 07
Add highlights to the face, hair, and clothing to create a sense of depth.
step 08
Make final adjustments to the composition and details.

color palette

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

secondary · ultramarine blue · burnt umber

Mix skin tones using white, yellow ochre, cadmium red, and a touch of burnt umber. Achieve the dark blue of the coat by mixing ivory black and ultramarine blue. Use white to lighten the colors for highlights.

techniques