plate no. 4996
Portrait of Louis Pasteur
Albert Edelfelt, 1885
some experience helpful
Recreating this painting will help students develop skills in portraiture, including capturing likeness and rendering realistic skin tones, as well as understanding how to depict light and shadow to create depth and form.
technical profile
palette complexity
4
brushwork visibility
3
value contrast
4
compositional simplicity
3
study guide
est. 15 hrsapproach — 8 steps
- step 01
Create a preliminary sketch to establish the composition and proportions.
- step 02
Block in the main shapes and areas of color, focusing on the overall value structure.
- step 03
Develop the background, paying attention to the subtle variations in tone and color.
- step 04
Refine the figure, working on the facial features and details of the clothing.
- step 05
Add details to the glassware and laboratory equipment, capturing their reflective qualities.
- step 06
Adjust the lighting and shadows to create a sense of depth and realism.
- step 07
Add final highlights and details to enhance the overall effect.
- step 08
Step back and assess the painting, making any necessary adjustments.
color palette
primary · ivory black · raw umber · burnt sienna · titanium white
secondary · cadmium red light · yellow ochre
Mix various shades of brown and gray by combining the primary colors. Use white to lighten the tones and red/yellow to add warmth to the skin tones.
techniques
- ·underpainting
- ·glazing
- ·scumbling
- ·chiaroscuro
- ·portraiture
common pitfalls
- →Incorrect proportions in the initial sketch.
- →Overworking the details too early.
- →Failing to capture the likeness of the subject.
- →Inaccurate color mixing.
- →Ignoring the importance of light and shadow.
materials
surface · stretched canvas
required
- ·stretched canvas 18x24
- ·#2 round brush
- ·#6 flat brush
- ·#8 filbert brush
- ·ivory black oil paint
- ·raw umber oil paint
- ·burnt sienna oil paint
- ·titanium white oil paint
optional
- ·palette knife
- ·linseed oil
- ·turpentine
- ·medium gloss
Use a high-quality canvas and artist-grade oil paints for best results. Consider using a medium to improve the flow and blending of the paints.
tips & new artworks in your inbox
no spam — unsubscribe anytime.
or to save artworks, chat, and track progress
in this vein
