plate no. 1282

Chinese skirt

oilPost-Impressionismportraitfigureinteriorbookshelfdresschairbooks

some experience helpful

This painting provides practice in capturing the subtle nuances of skin tones and fabric folds. Students will also learn to suggest details rather than rendering them precisely, creating a sense of atmosphere.

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 the room's interior.
step 02
Establish the main light source and block in the large areas of color, focusing on value relationships.
step 03
Refine the skin tones, paying attention to subtle shifts in color and temperature.
step 04
Develop the details of the dress, bookshelf, and other objects, using loose brushstrokes.
step 05
Add highlights and shadows to create depth and dimension.
step 06
Soften edges and blend colors to create a sense of atmosphere.
step 07
Add final details and adjust values as needed.
step 08
Varnish the painting once dry.

color palette

primary · titanium white · raw umber · burnt sienna · alizarin crimson

secondary · ultramarine blue · yellow ochre

Mix pinks by combining white with alizarin crimson and a touch of raw umber. Use ultramarine blue to create cool shadows and to mix with raw umber for darker tones.

techniques