plate no. 1757
An Autumn Princess
some experience helpful
Recreating this painting will help students develop skills in portraiture, including capturing likeness and subtle skin tones, as well as blending techniques for soft transitions.
technical profile
palette complexity
4
brushwork visibility
3
value contrast
3
compositional simplicity
4
study guide
est. 15 hrsapproach — 8 steps
- step 01
Sketch the basic proportions of the face and body, paying attention to the tilt of the head.
- step 02
Establish the background with broad, blended strokes of brown and green.
- step 03
Block in the main areas of color on the face, hair, and clothing, focusing on value relationships.
- step 04
Refine the facial features, paying close attention to the eyes, nose, and mouth.
- step 05
Add details to the hair, including highlights and shadows.
- step 06
Paint the wreath of leaves and berries, varying the colors and textures.
- step 07
Develop the clothing, adding details such as stripes and folds.
- step 08
Add final highlights and shadows to create depth and dimension.
color palette
primary · raw umber · titanium white · cadmium red light · yellow ochre
secondary · ultramarine blue · sap green · alizarin crimson
Mix skin tones by blending white, yellow ochre, and a touch of red. Use ultramarine blue to cool down browns and create shadows.
techniques
- ·blending
- ·glazing
- ·scumbling
- ·portraiture
- ·rendering
common pitfalls
- →Overworking the details too early in the process.
- →Failing to establish a strong value structure.
- →Using colors that are too saturated.
- →Losing the likeness of the subject.
materials
surface · stretched canvas
required
- ·stretched canvas
- ·oil paints
- ·round brushes (sizes 2, 4, 6)
- ·flat brushes (sizes 4, 8)
- ·palette
- ·linseed oil
- ·turpentine
- ·palette knife
optional
- ·medium gloss
- ·retouch varnish
- ·easel
Use a medium-grain canvas for best results. Consider using a limited palette to simplify color mixing.
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