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Angela by Lilla Cabot Perry

plate no. 6153

Angela

Lilla Cabot Perry, 1891

oilImpressionismportraitfigureportraitwindowbuildingslandscapelight
some experience helpful

Recreating this painting will help students develop skills in portraiture, capturing subtle light and shadow, and creating a sense of depth through atmospheric perspective. Students will also learn to simplify complex forms and focus on essential details.

technical profile

palette complexity
3
brushwork visibility
4
value contrast
3
compositional simplicity
4

study guide

est. 15 hrs

approach — 8 steps

  1. step 01

    Create a light sketch of the figure and the background, focusing on proportions and placement.

  2. step 02

    Block in the main areas of color, starting with the darkest shadows and lightest highlights.

  3. step 03

    Begin refining the figure's features, paying close attention to the subtle variations in skin tone.

  4. step 04

    Develop the background, using lighter values and softer edges to create a sense of distance.

  5. step 05

    Add details to the clothing and the surrounding environment, such as the folds in the fabric and the texture of the buildings.

  6. step 06

    Refine the light and shadow, adding highlights and deepening shadows to create depth and dimension.

  7. step 07

    Add final details, such as the hair and the expression on the figure's face.

  8. step 08

    Step back and assess the painting, making any necessary adjustments to the composition, color, or value.

color palette

primary · titanium white · ultramarine blue · burnt umber

secondary · yellow ochre · cadmium red light · viridian

Mix blues and browns with white to create the cool grays of the figure's clothing. Use yellow ochre and cadmium red to create the warm tones of the skin and the buildings in the background. Add a touch of viridian to create the greens of the foliage.

techniques

  • ·broken color
  • ·scumbling
  • ·glazing
  • ·atmospheric perspective
  • ·portraiture

common pitfalls

  • →Getting the proportions of the figure wrong.
  • →Overworking the details and losing the sense of spontaneity.
  • →Failing to capture the subtle variations in skin tone.
  • →Creating too much contrast and losing the overall harmony of the painting.

materials

surface · stretched canvas

required

  • ·stretched canvas 16x20
  • ·titanium white oil paint
  • ·ultramarine blue oil paint
  • ·burnt umber oil paint
  • ·yellow ochre oil paint
  • ·cadmium red light oil paint
  • ·round brushes sizes #2, #4, #6
  • ·linseed oil

optional

  • ·palette knife
  • ·medium gloss
  • ·easel

Use high-quality oil paints for best results. A medium such as linseed oil can be used to thin the paint and improve its flow.

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related guides

oil painting for beginners →color theory for painters →how to learn by studying the masters →
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