plate no. 0188

Atalanta

John William Godward, 1908

oil, canvasNeoclassicismportraitfigureportraitdressheadbandmarbleclassical

experienced study

Recreating this painting will help students develop skills in portraiture, including accurate skin tone mixing and subtle blending techniques. It also provides practice in rendering drapery and creating a sense of depth through soft lighting.

technical profile

palette complexity

brushwork visibility

value contrast

compositional simplicity

study guide

est. 25 hrs

approach — 8 steps

step 01
Sketch the basic composition, focusing on proportions and the placement of the figure.
step 02
Establish the background marble pattern with thin washes of color.
step 03
Block in the main shapes of the figure, including the face, hair, and dress, using a limited palette.
step 04
Begin layering skin tones, focusing on subtle shifts in color and value to create a smooth, realistic effect.
step 05
Refine the details of the face, paying close attention to the eyes, nose, and mouth.
step 06
Develop the drapery of the dress, using highlights and shadows to create a sense of volume and texture.
step 07
Paint the headband, capturing its folds and subtle variations in color.
step 08
Add final details and highlights to complete the painting.

color palette

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

secondary · viridian green · ultramarine blue · ivory black

Achieve skin tones by mixing titanium white, yellow ochre, burnt sienna, and a touch of alizarin crimson. Use viridian green and ultramarine blue to create the headband color, adjusting the ratio for variations in shade.

techniques

·glazing
·scumbling
·blending
·color layering
·portraiture

common pitfalls

→Overworking the skin tones, resulting in a muddy or unnatural appearance.
→Failing to capture the subtle variations in color and value, leading to a flat or lifeless painting.
→Inaccurate proportions in the initial sketch.
→Overly harsh brushstrokes that detract from the smooth, polished finish.