plate no. 1166

Blanche Vesnić (née Ulman)

Jean Béraud, 1913

oilImpressionismportraitfigureportraitdressjewelrygownwoman

some experience helpful

Recreating this painting will help students develop skills in portraiture, particularly in capturing the likeness and subtle shading of skin tones, as well as rendering fabric and delicate details like jewelry.

technical profile

palette complexity

brushwork visibility

value contrast

compositional simplicity

study guide

est. 12 hrs

approach — 8 steps

step 01
Sketch the basic figure proportions and pose on the canvas.
step 02
Block in the background with a thin layer of blue, establishing the overall tone.
step 03
Roughly map out the main areas of the dress with a diluted yellow.
step 04
Begin building up the dress with layers of yellow, adding highlights and shadows to create form and folds.
step 05
Paint the skin tones, focusing on subtle variations in color and value.
step 06
Add details to the face, including the eyes, nose, and mouth.
step 07
Render the jewelry and sheer fabric, paying attention to the delicate details.
step 08
Refine the edges and details, making final adjustments to the overall composition.

color palette

primary · yellow ochre · ultramarine blue · titanium white

secondary · burnt sienna · raw umber · cadmium yellow

Mix various shades of yellow by combining yellow ochre, cadmium yellow, and white. Achieve skin tones by blending white, burnt sienna, and a touch of yellow ochre. Create the background by mixing ultramarine blue with white and a hint of raw umber.

techniques

·blending
·glazing
·scumbling
·portraiture
·fabric rendering

common pitfalls

→Overworking the details too early in the process.
→Failing to establish a strong value structure.
→Using colors that are too saturated or intense.
→Ignoring the subtle shifts in color within the skin tones.

materials

surface · stretched canvas

required

·Stretched canvas (16x20 inches)
·Oil paints (yellow ochre, ultramarine blue, titanium white, burnt sienna, raw umber, cadmium yellow)
·Palette
·Assorted brushes (round and flat)
·Linseed oil
·Odorless mineral spirits
·Palette knife
·Rags