plate no. 6039
A portrait of a Italian girl
Ludwig Knaus, 1874
some experience helpful
Recreating this painting will help students develop skills in portraiture, including capturing likeness and rendering skin tones, as well as understanding subtle color variations and soft blending techniques.
technical profile
palette complexity
3
brushwork visibility
3
value contrast
3
compositional simplicity
4
study guide
est. 15 hrsapproach — 8 steps
- step 01
Sketch the basic shapes and proportions of the figure, focusing on the head, shoulders, and the placement of the facial features.
- step 02
Establish the background color with a thin wash of muted browns and greens.
- step 03
Block in the main areas of light and shadow on the face, using a limited palette of skin tones.
- step 04
Refine the facial features, paying close attention to the eyes, nose, and mouth, and their relationship to each other.
- step 05
Paint the clothing, focusing on the folds and drapery of the fabric, and the way light interacts with the material.
- step 06
Add the headscarf, capturing its texture and the subtle variations in color.
- step 07
Refine the overall composition, adjusting values and colors as needed to create a harmonious and balanced image.
- step 08
Add final details and highlights to bring the painting to life.
color palette
primary · titanium white · yellow ochre · burnt umber · cadmium red
secondary · ultramarine blue · raw sienna
Achieve skin tones by mixing white, yellow ochre, and small amounts of red and umber. Use ultramarine blue to cool down the browns and create shadows.
techniques
- ·blending
- ·glazing
- ·scumbling
- ·portraiture
- ·chiaroscuro
common pitfalls
- →Overworking the skin tones, resulting in a muddy or unnatural appearance.
- →Failing to capture the subtle variations in color and value.
- →Losing the likeness of the subject.
- →Ignoring the importance of light and shadow in creating form.
materials
surface · stretched canvas
required
- ·stretched canvas
- ·oil paints (titanium white, yellow ochre, burnt umber, cadmium red, ultramarine blue, raw sienna)
- ·linseed oil
- ·turpentine or odorless mineral spirits
- ·palette
- ·assorted brushes (round and flat)
- ·palette knife
optional
- ·medium gloss
- ·retouch varnish
- ·easel
Use high-quality oil paints for best results. Consider using a toned canvas to create a warmer base for the painting.
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