
plate no. 0035
Pompeo Batoni, 1787
Recreating this painting will help students develop skills in portraiture, including capturing likeness and rendering realistic skin tones, as well as understanding how to create depth and form through subtle value changes.
technical profile
approach — 8 steps
Create a preliminary sketch to establish the composition and proportions of the figure, chair, and background elements.
Block in the main shapes and colors using thin washes of paint, focusing on the overall value structure.
Develop the background, starting with the statue and drapery, gradually adding details and refining the forms.
Begin working on the figure, building up the skin tones in layers and paying close attention to the light and shadow.
Refine the details of the clothing, chair, and carpet, using smaller brushes to add texture and patterns.
Add highlights and shadows to create a sense of depth and dimension.
Pay attention to the facial features and expression, using subtle brushstrokes to capture the likeness of the subject.
Make final adjustments to the colors, values, and details to achieve a cohesive and polished result.
color palette
primary · ivory black · raw umber · burnt sienna · titanium white
secondary · ultramarine blue · cadmium red light · yellow ochre
Achieve the skin tones by mixing white, red, yellow ochre, and a touch of umber. The purple-brown of the suit is a mix of red, blue, and umber. Use white to lighten the colors.
techniques
common pitfalls
surface · stretched canvas
required
optional
Use high-quality oil paints for best results. Allow each layer of paint to dry before applying the next.
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