plate no. 3568

Bertha Schlatter

oilRealismportraitportraitfiguredresslacejewelryhair

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 subtle value gradations to model form.

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 proportions and placement of the figure.
step 02
Establish the background with a thin, even wash of neutral color.
step 03
Block in the main shapes of the figure, paying attention to the large areas of light and shadow.
step 04
Begin refining the facial features, focusing on accurate placement and subtle value changes.
step 05
Develop the details of the dress, including the folds, lace, and jewelry.
step 06
Add highlights and shadows to create depth and dimension in the fabric.
step 07
Refine the hands and the handkerchief, paying attention to the delicate details.
step 08
Add final touches and adjust values as needed to create a cohesive and realistic image.

color palette

primary · ivory black · titanium white · raw umber

secondary · alizarin crimson · yellow ochre

Mix shades of gray by combining ivory black and titanium white, adjusting the ratio for different values. Use raw umber to create warm shadows and add depth. Alizarin crimson can be used sparingly to add warmth to the skin tones and the ribbon.

techniques