plate no. 5634

Portrait of the Marquise of Belas

oil, canvasNeoclassicismportraitportraitfiguredressjewelryhairlace

some experience helpful

Recreating this painting will help students develop skills in portraiture, including capturing likeness and rendering skin tones, as well as practicing the depiction of textures like lace and fabric.

technical profile

palette complexity

brushwork visibility

value contrast

compositional simplicity

study guide

est. 20 hrs

approach — 8 steps

step 01
Sketch the basic proportions and pose of the figure.
step 02
Establish the background with dark, blended tones.
step 03
Block in the main shapes of the dress and yellow shawl.
step 04
Begin layering skin tones, focusing on highlights and shadows.
step 05
Carefully render the details of the lace collar, using small brushstrokes.
step 06
Paint the hair, paying attention to the curls and highlights.
step 07
Add the jewelry and other details, such as the embroidery on the shawl.
step 08
Refine the overall painting, adjusting values and adding finishing touches.

color palette

primary · ivory black · yellow ochre · titanium white · burnt umber

secondary · cadmium red light · ultramarine blue · gold

Mix skin tones using white, yellow ochre, a touch of red, and a hint of blue or umber for shadows. Achieve the dark background by mixing black with umber and a touch of blue.

techniques