plate no. 6591
Portrait of Jules Denneulin
some experience helpful
Recreating this painting will help students develop skills in portraiture, particularly in capturing likeness and using a limited palette to create depth and form. Students will also learn how to suggest texture through brushwork.
technical profile
palette complexity
3
brushwork visibility
4
value contrast
3
compositional simplicity
4
study guide
est. 12 hrsapproach — 8 steps
- step 01
Sketch the basic shapes and proportions of the head, hat, and clothing using light pencil lines.
- step 02
Establish the overall value structure by blocking in the darkest and lightest areas with thin washes of paint.
- step 03
Begin to refine the facial features, paying close attention to the placement of the eyes, nose, and mouth.
- step 04
Develop the form of the hat and clothing, using subtle shifts in value and color to create depth.
- step 05
Add details to the beard and hair, using short, broken brushstrokes to suggest texture.
- step 06
Refine the background, ensuring that it complements the subject without being distracting.
- step 07
Add highlights and shadows to enhance the three-dimensionality of the portrait.
- step 08
Make final adjustments to the overall composition and color harmony.
color palette
primary · ivory black · raw umber · burnt umber · titanium white
secondary · yellow ochre · raw sienna
Mix various shades of brown and gray by combining the primary colors. Use white to lighten the values and yellow ochre/raw sienna to warm the skin tones.
techniques
- ·blocking in
- ·scumbling
- ·dry brushing
- ·blending
- ·layering
common pitfalls
- →Overworking the details too early in the process.
- →Failing to establish a strong value structure.
- →Using too much color and losing the overall harmony.
- →Neglecting the importance of accurate proportions.
materials
surface · stretched canvas
required
- ·stretched canvas (12x16 inches)
- ·oil paints (ivory black, raw umber, burnt umber, titanium white, yellow ochre, raw sienna)
- ·palette
- ·palette knife
- ·assorted brushes (round and flat)
- ·linseed oil
- ·odorless mineral spirits
- ·rags
optional
- ·medium gloss
- ·easel
- ·mahl stick
Use a medium-grit canvas for better texture. Consider using a toned canvas to speed up the painting process.
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