plate no. 5867

Annie Hicks

oilRealismportraitportraitfiguredresschairbookwall

some experience helpful

Recreating this painting will help students develop skills in portraiture, including capturing likeness and rendering fabric textures. It also provides practice in creating a subtle and harmonious color palette.

technical profile

palette complexity

brushwork visibility

value contrast

compositional simplicity

study guide

est. 15 hrs

approach — 8 steps

step 01
Lightly sketch the overall composition, focusing on the proportions of the figure and the placement of key elements.
step 02
Block in the main shapes of the figure, chair, and background with thin washes of color.
step 03
Establish the basic skin tones and begin to refine the facial features, paying attention to light and shadow.
step 04
Develop the details of the dress, focusing on the folds and textures of the fabric.
step 05
Work on the chair, adding details and creating a sense of depth.
step 06
Refine the background, paying attention to the subtle variations in color and tone.
step 07
Add the details of the hands and the book.
step 08
Make final adjustments to the values and colors to create a cohesive and harmonious painting.

color palette

primary · ultramarine blue · raw umber · titanium white · yellow ochre

secondary · burnt sienna · cadmium yellow light

Mix various shades of blue by combining ultramarine blue with raw umber and white. Create skin tones by mixing yellow ochre, burnt sienna, and white, with small amounts of blue or green for shadows.

techniques