plate no. 1954

Portrait of Madame Lemercier, actress of the Palais-Royal

oilAcademicismportraitportraitfigurewomanhairclothingface

some experience helpful

Recreating this drawing will help students develop skills in portraiture, including proportion, shading, and capturing likeness. It also provides practice in using a limited palette to create depth and form.

technical profile

palette complexity

brushwork visibility

value contrast

compositional simplicity

study guide

est. 8 hrs

approach — 8 steps

step 01
Lightly sketch the overall shape and proportions of the head and shoulders.
step 02
Establish the main planes of the face and hair with light shading.
step 03
Refine the facial features, paying attention to the angles and curves.
step 04
Add darker values to create depth and dimension.
step 05
Use white chalk or pencil to highlight the lightest areas.
step 06
Develop the details of the hair and clothing.
step 07
Soften edges and blend tones for a smooth transition.
step 08
Add final touches and refine the overall composition.

color palette

primary · charcoal gray · white chalk · toned paper (tan/gray)

secondary · light gray · dark gray

Vary the pressure of the charcoal and chalk to achieve different values. Use blending tools to create smooth transitions between tones.

techniques

·hatching
·cross-hatching
·blending
·tonal shading
·highlighting

common pitfalls

→Incorrect proportions can ruin the likeness.
→Overworking the drawing can lead to a muddy appearance.
→Failing to establish a full range of values can make the drawing look flat.
→Ignoring the underlying structure of the face can result in a distorted portrait.