plate no. 2159

Aged Spinner

oilRomanticismgenre paintingfigureold womanspinning wheelchairinteriorclothing

some experience helpful

Recreating this painting will help students develop skills in portraiture, particularly capturing the likeness and character of an elderly subject, and in rendering fabric and textures with loose brushwork.

technical profile

palette complexity

brushwork visibility

value contrast

compositional simplicity

study guide

est. 10 hrs

approach — 8 steps

step 01
Lightly sketch the basic shapes and proportions of the figure, chair, and spinning wheel.
step 02
Establish the overall value structure with a thin wash of burnt umber or a similar earth tone.
step 03
Block in the main areas of color, focusing on the figure's skin tones, clothing, and the surrounding environment.
step 04
Develop the figure's face, paying attention to the details of the eyes, nose, and mouth.
step 05
Add details to the clothing, using highlights and shadows to create depth and form.
step 06
Refine the spinning wheel and chair, adding details and textures.
step 07
Adjust the values and colors throughout the painting to create a sense of harmony and balance.
step 08
Add final details and highlights to complete the painting.

color palette

primary · burnt umber · titanium white · raw sienna

secondary · red ochre · ultramarine blue

Mix various shades of brown and gray by combining burnt umber, raw sienna, and titanium white. Use small amounts of red ochre and ultramarine blue to create subtle color variations in the skin tones and clothing.

techniques