plate no. 7084

The President of Rieux in prom dress

pastel, canvasRococoportraitportraitwomandresschaircurtainmask

experienced study

Recreating this painting will help students develop skills in portraiture, particularly in rendering realistic skin tones and capturing the texture and folds of fabric. It also provides practice in creating a sense of depth and atmosphere through subtle value changes.

technical profile

palette complexity

brushwork visibility

value contrast

compositional simplicity

study guide

est. 25 hrs

approach — 8 steps

step 01
Create a light sketch outlining the main shapes and proportions of the figure, chair, and background.
step 02
Establish the overall value structure by blocking in the darkest and lightest areas.
step 03
Begin layering skin tones, paying close attention to subtle color variations and highlights.
step 04
Work on the dress, focusing on capturing the folds and highlights to create a sense of volume and texture.
step 05
Add the blue ruffles, carefully rendering the details and shadows.
step 06
Paint the chair and background, using soft blending to create depth.
step 07
Refine the details of the face, hands, and mask.
step 08
Add final highlights and shadows to enhance the overall realism and atmosphere.

color palette

primary · titanium white · ivory black · ultramarine blue · burnt umber

secondary · cadmium red light · yellow ochre · raw sienna

Mix various shades of gray by combining ivory black and titanium white. Achieve skin tones by blending titanium white, cadmium red light, yellow ochre, and a touch of burnt umber. Create the blue ruffles by mixing ultramarine blue with titanium white for lighter shades and ivory black for darker shades.

techniques