plate no. 0100

An Italian Young Girl

oilAcademicismportraitportraitfiguregirlhairclothinglace

some experience helpful

This painting provides an opportunity to practice portraiture, including accurate skin tone mixing and rendering soft textures. Students can also learn to depict intricate details like lace and fabric folds.

technical profile

palette complexity

brushwork visibility

value contrast

compositional simplicity

study guide

est. 20 hrs

approach — 8 steps

step 01
Sketch the basic shapes and proportions of the figure, paying attention to the placement of the head, shoulders, and features.
step 02
Establish the background with a thin wash of warm brown tones, creating a smooth gradient.
step 03
Block in the main areas of the face with light and shadow, focusing on the planes of the face and the direction of light.
step 04
Develop the details of the eyes, nose, and mouth, paying close attention to the subtle variations in color and value.
step 05
Paint the hair, using a combination of dark and light tones to create volume and texture.
step 06
Block in the clothing with broad strokes, focusing on the overall shape and folds of the fabric.
step 07
Add details to the lace and other embellishments, using fine brushes and delicate strokes.
step 08
Refine the overall painting, adjusting the values and colors as needed to create a harmonious and realistic image.

color palette

primary · titanium white · burnt umber · yellow ochre · cadmium red light

secondary · ultramarine blue · ivory black

Mix skin tones using white, yellow ochre, cadmium red, and a touch of burnt umber. Use ultramarine blue and white for the blue ribbons. Create the background by mixing burnt umber with varying amounts of white and yellow ochre.

techniques