"Couture's method of giving a lesson to his pupils was as follows: While they looked on he painted a head from the model, and, while he painted, made judicious remarks as to the drawing, the color, the light and the shade. Some of these heads, dashed off in two hours, are charming . . . most interesting to those who like to follow the workings of an original genius." (George P. A. Healy, Modern French Masters)
Not only do we have these sketches, in various stages of development, to give us an idea of his working method, but we also have a book written by Couture himself in 1867, explaining his painting technique when starting with an underpainting. Lively and concise, Couture is an excellent communicator and, paired with these examples of his work, his words give a clear insight into his methods:
"Trace your drawing on the canvas with charcoal, which is preferable to chalk; your points well determined, you mix strong boiled oil and spirits of turpentine, half and half, making what is called "sauce;" put upon your palette the necessary color for the first preparation, such as ivory black, bitumen, brown red, and cobalt.
With a tint composed of black and brown red, you will obtain bistre; bitumen, cobalt and brown red will give you nearly the same result.
Return now to your drawing.
Brushes of sable, a little long, are necessary to trace the design; your charcoal dust would spoil the effect of the color; therefore, with a maul stick strike the canvas as upon a drum; the charcoal falls, the drawings become lighter, but sufficient remains to guide you. Then you take the sable brush, dip it into your "sauce," then into the bistre tint, and trace all your outline."
