plate no. 2255

Anna Baumer

Richard Gerstl, 1902

oilArt Nouveau (Modern)portraitportraitfigurewomandresshairface

some experience helpful

Recreating this painting will help students develop skills in portraiture, including capturing likeness and rendering skin tones. It also provides practice in creating soft, diffused lighting and subtle color variations.

technical profile

palette complexity

brushwork visibility

value contrast

compositional simplicity

study guide

est. 15 hrs

approach — 8 steps

step 01
Lightly sketch the basic shapes and proportions of the figure, focusing on the head, shoulders, and overall pose.
step 02
Establish the background color with a thin wash of burnt umber and alizarin crimson.
step 03
Block in the main areas of the face with light and shadow, using a limited palette of flesh tones.
step 04
Refine the facial features, paying close attention to the eyes, nose, and mouth. Use subtle color variations to create depth and dimension.
step 05
Paint the hair, using short, broken brushstrokes to suggest texture and volume.
step 06
Block in the dress with white, adding subtle shadows and highlights to create form.
step 07
Add details to the dress, such as lace or embroidery, using a fine brush.
step 08
Make final adjustments to the overall composition, paying attention to the balance of light and shadow.

color palette

primary · titanium white · burnt umber · alizarin crimson · yellow ochre

secondary · raw sienna · ivory black

Mix various combinations of white, umber, crimson, and ochre to achieve the subtle skin tones. Use white with a touch of umber and sienna for the dress.

techniques