plate no. 8440

Robert de Cotte

oilBaroqueportraitportraitfigureclothingbooktablehistorical

experienced study

Recreating this painting will help students develop skills in portraiture, including capturing likeness and rendering realistic skin tones, as well as understanding the use of light and shadow to create form and depth.

technical profile

palette complexity

brushwork visibility

value contrast

compositional simplicity

study guide

est. 25 hrs

approach — 8 steps

step 01
Create a preliminary sketch to establish the composition and proportions of the figure and objects.
step 02
Block in the main shapes and values using thin washes of color.
step 03
Develop the background, gradually building up layers of color and value.
step 04
Focus on the face, carefully rendering the features and skin tones.
step 05
Add details to the clothing, including the folds, textures, and embellishments.
step 06
Paint the book and other objects, paying attention to their form and surface qualities.
step 07
Refine the highlights and shadows to create a sense of depth and realism.
step 08
Add final details and adjustments to complete the painting.

color palette

primary · ivory black · titanium white · alizarin crimson · yellow ochre

secondary · ultramarine blue · burnt umber · purple

Mix various shades of brown and gray for the background and clothing. Use alizarin crimson and white for skin tones, adding touches of yellow ochre and blue for variations.

techniques