plate no. 5947

Portrait of Madame Recamier

oil, canvasNeoclassicismportraitfigureportraitcolumnsdraperyarchitecturelandscape

experienced study

Recreating this painting will help students develop skills in portraiture, including accurate proportions and subtle skin tone variations, as well as rendering realistic drapery and architectural elements.

technical profile

palette complexity

brushwork visibility

value contrast

compositional simplicity

study guide

est. 40 hrs

approach — 8 steps

step 01
Create a preliminary sketch, focusing on accurate proportions and placement of the figure and architectural elements.
step 02
Block in the main shapes and colors, establishing the overall composition and value structure.
step 03
Begin refining the figure, paying close attention to the anatomy and subtle transitions in skin tone.
step 04
Develop the drapery, capturing the folds and highlights with careful observation.
step 05
Render the architectural details, including the columns, archway, and background landscape.
step 06
Add details to the face, hair, and hands, capturing the likeness and expression of the subject.
step 07
Refine the lighting and shadows, creating depth and dimension.
step 08
Add final details and highlights to complete the painting.

color palette

primary · titanium white · yellow ochre · burnt umber · ultramarine blue

secondary · cadmium yellow · alizarin crimson · ivory black

Achieve skin tones by mixing titanium white, yellow ochre, and a touch of alizarin crimson. Use ultramarine blue and burnt umber to create neutral grays for shadows and architectural elements. Mix cadmium yellow with a touch of burnt umber for the golden drapery.

techniques