plate no. 0033

Anna Ónody, a Dancer of the Ballet Choir of the National Theater

oilRomanticismportraitportraitfiguredressjewelrylacechair

some experience helpful

Recreating this painting will help students develop skills in portraiture, including accurate proportions and rendering realistic skin tones. It also provides practice in painting fabrics and textures, such as lace and velvet.

technical profile

palette complexity

brushwork visibility

value contrast

compositional simplicity

study guide

est. 20 hrs

approach — 8 steps

step 01
Create a light sketch outlining the basic shapes and proportions of the figure and chair.
step 02
Establish the background with a thin wash of dark brown, gradually building up darker tones.
step 03
Block in the main areas of color for the skin, dress, and chair, focusing on accurate values.
step 04
Begin refining the facial features, paying close attention to the highlights and shadows to create form.
step 05
Develop the details of the dress, including the folds and highlights, and the texture of the lace.
step 06
Add the jewelry and other accessories, focusing on their metallic sheen and intricate details.
step 07
Refine the overall composition, adjusting values and adding subtle details to create depth and realism.
step 08
Add final highlights and details to complete the painting.

color palette

primary · ivory black · burnt umber · titanium white · cadmium red

secondary · ultramarine blue · yellow ochre · alizarin crimson

Mix skin tones by blending white, red, yellow ochre, and a touch of umber. Achieve dark blacks by mixing ivory black with a touch of ultramarine blue. Use alizarin crimson and burnt umber for the red tones of the chair.

techniques