plate no. 1692

The paralyzed Bonapartist Girondist Noirtier de Villefort in 1838

drawingRomanticismillustrationfigurechairtablebottledraperybook

some experience helpful

Recreating this drawing will help students practice shading techniques to create form and volume, as well as understanding how to depict textures using hatching and cross-hatching.

technical profile

palette complexity

brushwork visibility

value contrast

compositional simplicity

study guide

est. 8 hrs

approach — 8 steps

step 01
Begin with a light sketch of the overall composition, focusing on proportions and placement of the figure and objects.
step 02
Establish the darkest areas of the drawing with a soft pencil or charcoal, paying attention to the shadows under the chair and on the figure's clothing.
step 03
Gradually build up the mid-tones using lighter pressure and different grades of pencils.
step 04
Use hatching and cross-hatching to create texture and depth in the clothing, chair, and background.
step 05
Pay attention to the direction of the light source and how it affects the shadows and highlights.
step 06
Refine the details of the face and hands, focusing on capturing the expression and character of the figure.
step 07
Add subtle highlights to create a sense of light and atmosphere.
step 08
Review the drawing and make any necessary adjustments to the values and details.

color palette

primary · sepia · ivory black

secondary · raw umber

Vary the intensity of the sepia by diluting with water or blending with white to create different shades.

techniques

·hatching
·cross-hatching
·blending
·value shading
·contour drawing

common pitfalls

→Failing to establish a strong value range, resulting in a flat and lifeless drawing.
→Overworking the details before establishing the overall composition and values.
→Using too much pressure, making it difficult to blend and create smooth transitions.
→Ignoring the direction of the light source, resulting in inconsistent shadows and highlights.