plate no. 7123

A Passing Glance

Thomas Pollock Anshutz, 1900

oilImpressionismportraitfigureportraitmirrordressreflectionwall

some experience helpful

Recreating this painting will help students develop skills in portraiture, including capturing likeness and creating realistic skin tones, as well as understanding how light interacts with reflective surfaces.

technical profile

palette complexity

brushwork visibility

value contrast

compositional simplicity

study guide

est. 15 hrs

approach — 8 steps

step 01
Sketch the basic composition, focusing on the proportions of the figure and the placement of the mirror.
step 02
Establish the background colors and patterns, using loose brushstrokes.
step 03
Block in the main shapes of the figure and the reflection, paying attention to the overall values.
step 04
Begin to refine the skin tones, using subtle color variations to create depth and form.
step 05
Add details to the dress, including the folds and the texture of the fabric.
step 06
Work on the mirror and the reflection, capturing the likeness and the subtle differences in color and value.
step 07
Add highlights and shadows to create a sense of depth and dimension.
step 08
Refine the details and make any necessary adjustments.

color palette

primary · ivory black · yellow ochre · burnt sienna · ultramarine blue

secondary · alizarin crimson · cadmium yellow light

Mix skin tones using yellow ochre, burnt sienna, and ivory black. Use ultramarine blue and alizarin crimson to create the blue and pink hues of the dress. Add white to lighten colors and create highlights.

techniques

·portrait painting
·color mixing
·blending
·scumbling
·broken color

common pitfalls

→Overworking the details and losing the overall impressionistic effect.
→Failing to capture the likeness of the figure in the reflection.
→Using too much detail in the background, which can distract from the main subject.
→Not paying enough attention to the subtle color variations in the skin tones.