plate no. 5564

The Sisters Zenaide and Charlotte-Bonaparte

oil, canvasNeoclassicismportraitportraitfiguresclothingjewelryinteriorletter

experienced study

Recreating this painting will help students develop skills in portraiture, including accurate rendering of facial features and fabric textures, as well as understanding of light and shadow to create form.

technical profile

palette complexity

brushwork visibility

value contrast

compositional simplicity

study guide

est. 30 hrs

approach — 8 steps

step 01
Create a preliminary sketch to establish the composition and proportions of the figures.
step 02
Block in the main shapes and colors of the background, figures, and clothing.
step 03
Begin refining the facial features, paying close attention to the light and shadow.
step 04
Develop the details of the clothing, including the folds, textures, and embellishments.
step 05
Work on the hands and the letter, ensuring accurate rendering of the forms.
step 06
Add the jewelry and other accessories, paying attention to their reflective qualities.
step 07
Refine the overall painting, adjusting the values and colors as needed.
step 08
Add final details and highlights to complete the painting.

color palette

primary · ivory black · ultramarine blue · cadmium red · raw umber

secondary · yellow ochre · titanium white · burnt sienna

Mix various shades of gray and blue for the dresses, and use glazing techniques to create depth in the black dress. Mix reds and browns for the background and furniture.

techniques