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home·artworks·Portrait of Jules Dubois
Portrait of Jules Dubois by Gustave Caillebotte

plate no. 6260

Portrait of Jules Dubois

Gustave Caillebotte, 1885

oil, canvasImpressionismportraitportraitfigurechairclothingbeardhat
some experience helpful

Recreating this painting will help students develop skills in portraiture, including capturing likeness and rendering textures with visible brushstrokes. Students will also learn to mix subtle color variations to create depth and form.

technical profile

palette complexity
4
brushwork visibility
4
value contrast
3
compositional simplicity
4

study guide

est. 15 hrs

approach — 8 steps

  1. step 01

    Create a light sketch outlining the basic shapes and proportions of the figure, chair, and background.

  2. step 02

    Block in the main areas of color, focusing on the overall value structure.

  3. step 03

    Begin refining the facial features, paying close attention to the eyes, nose, and mouth.

  4. step 04

    Develop the textures of the clothing and chair using visible brushstrokes.

  5. step 05

    Add highlights and shadows to create depth and dimension.

  6. step 06

    Refine the background details, ensuring they complement the figure.

  7. step 07

    Add final details, such as the cane and any small highlights.

  8. step 08

    Review and adjust the overall composition and color balance.

color palette

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

secondary · yellow ochre · ultramarine blue · cadmium red light

Mix various shades of gray and brown by combining ivory black, raw umber, and titanium white. Use yellow ochre and cadmium red light to create the warm tones in the beard and skin. Add small amounts of ultramarine blue to darken shadows.

techniques

  • ·broken color
  • ·scumbling
  • ·dry brushing
  • ·portraiture
  • ·alla prima

common pitfalls

  • →Getting the proportions of the figure wrong.
  • →Overworking the details and losing the freshness of the brushstrokes.
  • →Failing to capture the likeness of the subject.
  • →Using colors that are too saturated.

materials

surface · stretched canvas

required

  • ·stretched canvas 18x24
  • ·ivory black oil paint
  • ·raw umber oil paint
  • ·burnt sienna oil paint
  • ·titanium white oil paint
  • ·yellow ochre oil paint
  • ·round brushes (sizes 2, 4, 6)
  • ·flat brushes (sizes 4, 8)

optional

  • ·palette knife
  • ·linseed oil
  • ·odorless mineral spirits

Use a medium-tooth canvas to allow for visible brushstrokes. Consider using a limited palette to simplify color mixing.

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related guides

oil painting for beginners →color theory for painters →how to learn by studying the masters →
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