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home·artworks·Portrait of Paul I of Russia
Portrait of Paul I of Russia by Pompeo Batoni

plate no. 0035

Portrait of Paul I of Russia

Pompeo Batoni, 1787

oil, canvasRococoportraitfigureportraitchaircarpetstatuetable
experienced study

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

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

study guide

est. 25 hrs

approach — 8 steps

  1. step 01

    Create a preliminary sketch to establish the composition and proportions of the figure, chair, and background elements.

  2. step 02

    Block in the main shapes and colors using thin washes of paint, focusing on the overall value structure.

  3. step 03

    Develop the background, starting with the statue and drapery, gradually adding details and refining the forms.

  4. step 04

    Begin working on the figure, building up the skin tones in layers and paying close attention to the light and shadow.

  5. step 05

    Refine the details of the clothing, chair, and carpet, using smaller brushes to add texture and patterns.

  6. step 06

    Add highlights and shadows to create a sense of depth and dimension.

  7. step 07

    Pay attention to the facial features and expression, using subtle brushstrokes to capture the likeness of the subject.

  8. step 08

    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

  • ·glazing
  • ·scumbling
  • ·portraiture
  • ·color mixing
  • ·blending

common pitfalls

  • →Incorrect proportions in the initial sketch.
  • →Overworking the details too early in the process.
  • →Inaccurate skin tones.
  • →Losing the overall value structure.
  • →Ignoring the subtle color variations.

materials

surface · stretched canvas

required

  • ·stretched canvas
  • ·oil paints
  • ·linseed oil
  • ·turpentine
  • ·assorted brushes (round and flat)
  • ·palette
  • ·palette knife

optional

  • ·medium gloss
  • ·retouch varnish
  • ·easel

Use high-quality oil paints for best results. Allow each layer of paint to dry before applying the next.

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