plate no. 1995

Catherine Howard, Lady D'aubigny

oilBaroqueportraitportraitfiguredressflowerspearlshair

experienced study

Recreating this painting will help students develop skills in portraiture, particularly in rendering skin tones, fabric textures, and delicate details like pearls and hair. It also provides practice in creating a sense of depth and form through subtle value changes.

technical profile

palette complexity

brushwork visibility

value contrast

compositional simplicity

study guide

est. 25 hrs

approach — 8 steps

step 01
Begin with a light sketch outlining the figure's pose and proportions.
step 02
Establish the background with a thin, dark wash.
step 03
Block in the main shapes of the figure: head, dress, and hand.
step 04
Start layering in the skin tones, focusing on subtle value changes to create form.
step 05
Develop the dress, paying attention to the highlights and shadows that define the fabric's folds.
step 06
Add details to the hair, pearls, and flowers, using smaller brushes.
step 07
Refine the overall composition, adjusting values and adding finishing touches.
step 08
Add the signature 'Lady Avbigby' in the bottom right corner.

color palette

primary · titanium white · alizarin crimson · raw umber · yellow ochre

secondary · ivory black · cadmium red light · viridian

Skin tones are achieved by mixing white, crimson, yellow ochre, and a touch of raw umber. The pink dress is created with white and crimson, with highlights achieved by adding more white. Darker areas use raw umber and crimson.

techniques