plate no. 8100

Presentation To His Majesty The King Of The Very High Distinction Entrusted To Him By The President Of The French Republic

Achille Beltrame, 1901

oilArt Nouveau (Modern)illustrationfiguresinteriorroyaltyuniformscurtainsarchitecture

experienced study

Recreating this painting will help students develop skills in rendering figures in formal attire and understanding the use of light and shadow to create depth in a complex interior scene. Students will also learn to manage a complex composition with multiple figures and architectural elements.

technical profile

palette complexity

brushwork visibility

value contrast

compositional simplicity

study guide

est. 20 hrs

approach — 8 steps

step 01
Begin with a light sketch of the overall composition, focusing on the placement of the figures and the main architectural elements.
step 02
Establish the background with broad washes of color, paying attention to the drapery and architectural details.
step 03
Block in the main figures, focusing on their proportions and poses.
step 04
Start adding details to the figures' uniforms, including the medals, sashes, and buttons.
step 05
Refine the facial features and expressions of each figure.
step 06
Add highlights and shadows to create depth and dimension.
step 07
Pay attention to the details of the room, such as the carpet, furniture, and lighting.
step 08
Make final adjustments to the colors and values to achieve a cohesive and balanced composition.

color palette

primary · black · red · gold · white

secondary · grey · green · blue · brown

Mix various shades of black and grey for the uniforms. Create gold tones by mixing yellow with brown and a touch of orange. Achieve the red hues by mixing crimson with a touch of brown for depth.

techniques