plate no. 7840

Alma

Thomas Dewing, 1900

oilTonalismportraitportraitfigurewomandressdark backgroundprofile

some experience helpful

Recreating this painting will help students develop skills in portraiture, particularly in capturing subtle light and shadow on the face, and in creating a sense of depth using a limited color palette. It also provides practice in loose, expressive brushwork.

technical profile

palette complexity

brushwork visibility

value contrast

compositional simplicity

study guide

est. 10 hrs

approach — 8 steps

step 01
Sketch the basic shapes of the figure and the drape of the dress, paying attention to proportions.
step 02
Establish the darkest areas of the background with a dark brown or black.
step 03
Block in the mid-tones of the dress using a mix of green, brown, and black.
step 04
Begin to define the light on the face and neck with a mix of yellow ochre, white, and a touch of red.
step 05
Refine the facial features, paying close attention to the subtle shifts in value and color.
step 06
Add highlights to the face, hair, and dress to create a sense of luminosity.
step 07
Soften edges and blend colors to create a harmonious effect.
step 08
Add final details and adjust values as needed.

color palette

primary · yellow ochre · burnt umber · ivory black

secondary · viridian green · titanium white · cadmium red light

Achieve the skin tones by mixing yellow ochre, white, and a touch of red. Use burnt umber and black for the dark background. Mix green, brown, and black for the dress, adding white for highlights.

techniques

·chiaroscuro
·dry brush texture
·blending
·scumbling
·limited palette

common pitfalls

→Overworking the details and losing the loose, expressive quality of the brushwork.
→Creating harsh lines and edges instead of soft transitions.
→Failing to capture the subtle shifts in value and color on the face.
→Getting the proportions of the figure wrong.