plate no. 9743

Study for a portrait of Henri Bergson (1859-1941)

Jacques-Émile Blanche, 1911

oil, canvasSymbolismportraitportraitmansuitfigurebackground

some experience helpful

Recreating this painting will help students practice capturing likeness with loose brushstrokes and understanding how to suggest form with limited color variations. It also provides a good exercise in portrait composition and capturing a subject's expression.

technical profile

palette complexity

brushwork visibility

value contrast

compositional simplicity

study guide

est. 10 hrs

approach — 8 steps

step 01
Lightly sketch the basic proportions and pose of the figure on the canvas.
step 02
Establish the background color with thin washes of ochre and blue.
step 03
Block in the main shapes of the suit and face with mid-tone grays and browns.
step 04
Start adding darker values to define shadows and create depth in the suit and facial features.
step 05
Introduce lighter values to highlight the form and create a sense of light.
step 06
Refine the facial features, paying attention to the eyes, nose, and mouth.
step 07
Add details to the suit, such as the collar and tie.
step 08
Adjust the overall values and colors to create a harmonious composition.

color palette

primary · yellow ochre · ivory black · titanium white

secondary · ultramarine blue · alizarin crimson

Mix various shades of gray by combining ivory black and titanium white. Add small amounts of yellow ochre or ultramarine blue to warm or cool the grays. Use alizarin crimson to add warmth to the skin tones.

techniques