plate no. 9763

Portrait of Second Lieutenant Charles Legrand

oil, canvasNeoclassicismportraitfigurehorsearmorlandscapeskybuilding

experienced study

Recreating this painting will help students develop skills in portraiture, rendering metallic surfaces, and creating depth through atmospheric perspective. It also provides practice in depicting complex forms and textures.

technical profile

palette complexity

brushwork visibility

value contrast

compositional simplicity

study guide

est. 30 hrs

approach — 8 steps

step 01
Create a preliminary sketch outlining the main shapes and proportions of the figure, horse, and background elements.
step 02
Establish the basic color blocks for the background, focusing on the sky, mountains, and distant building.
step 03
Block in the main colors of the horse and figure, paying attention to the overall value structure.
step 04
Begin refining the details of the figure's face, armor, and uniform, using layering and glazing techniques.
step 05
Develop the details of the horse's anatomy and coat, using a variety of brushstrokes to create texture.
step 06
Add highlights and shadows to the armor to create a sense of depth and reflectivity.
step 07
Refine the background details, including the foliage and distant landscape, using soft blending techniques.
step 08
Add final details and adjustments to the overall composition, ensuring a cohesive and balanced image.

color palette

primary · burnt umber · titanium white · cadmium red · yellow ochre

secondary · ultramarine blue · ivory black · raw sienna

Achieve the metallic sheen of the armor by mixing white with small amounts of black and umber, then glazing with thin layers of yellow ochre and red. Create atmospheric perspective in the background by adding blue to the base colors.

techniques