plate no. 5062

Catherine Yates Pollock (Mrs. George Pollock)

oilRococoportraitportraitfiguredresschairtablebackground

some experience helpful

This painting provides practice in portraiture, focusing on skin tones and fabric rendering. Students will develop skills in layering and blending to create soft transitions and subtle details.

technical profile

palette complexity

brushwork visibility

value contrast

compositional simplicity

study guide

est. 15 hrs

approach — 8 steps

step 01
Sketch the basic shapes and proportions of the figure and chair.
step 02
Establish the background color with a thin wash.
step 03
Block in the main areas of color: skin, dress, chair, and table.
step 04
Begin layering and blending the skin tones, paying attention to highlights and shadows.
step 05
Develop the details of the dress, including the lace and folds.
step 06
Refine the chair and table, adding details like the gold trim and fabric texture.
step 07
Add the final details, such as the jewelry and facial features.
step 08
Adjust values and colors as needed to create a cohesive and balanced composition.

color palette

primary · titanium white · yellow ochre · burnt umber · cadmium red

secondary · viridian · ultramarine blue · ivory black

Mix skin tones by blending white, yellow ochre, cadmium red, and a touch of burnt umber. Use viridian and ultramarine blue to create the green background, adjusting the ratio for variations in tone.

techniques